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Mr. Marcus CEO Mento labs, Middle Product Marketing Manager Opera Dr.Tosin Onikosi and Product Marketing manager Celo, Kate Eldaly

By Maximilla Wafula

In a groundbreaking development towards financial inclusion, Opera, in collaboration with Celo and Mento Labs, proudly announces the achievement of surpassing 1 million users for the MiniPay wallet across Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. This milestone will be celebrated at the Africa Money and DeFi Summit in Nairobi on February 14-15, 2024.

Empowering Financial Inclusion

MiniPay, a self-custodial dollar stablecoin wallet seamlessly integrated into the Opera Mini browser, is empowering users to save, send, and receive funds instantly on their mobile phones with minimal transaction fees. Built on the Celo blockchain, MiniPay’s mission is to bring the benefits of decentralized finance (DeFi) to millions across Africa.

The strategic partnership between MiniPay, Celo, and Mento Labs is focused on fostering financial inclusion and economic stability in Africa. Mento’s decentralized cUSD stablecoins, integrated into the MiniPay ecosystem, play a crucial role in mitigating currency volatility, providing a reliable store of value, especially in regions affected by hyperinflation.

User-Friendly Design and Collaboration

Charles Hamel, Product Director at MiniPay, highlights the user-friendly design, making MiniPay accessible for users of all experience levels to benefit from decentralized finance. Jason Rodrigues, Head of Founder Programs at the Celo Foundation, expresses excitement about supporting the mission, aiming to provide real-world users with access to inclusive financial tools seamlessly.

Markus Franke, CEO at Mento Labs, adds enthusiasm for supporting the MiniPay rollout, emphasizing speed, reliability, and financial inclusivity as core project values.

Africa Money and DeFi Summit Highlights

The Africa Money and DeFi Summit will feature a Fireside Chat Keynote titled “Onboarding Millions of Users Across Africa to Web3.” This session, scheduled for February 14 at 10:30 am, will provide insights into the future of decentralized finance, offering a unique perspective on empowering individuals across the African continent.

Attendees are invited to explore MiniPay at Booth #77, where live demonstrations and engaging conversations will showcase the transformative impact of fast, easy, and affordable payments.

Encouraging User Adoption

MiniPay encourages users in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana to download or update the Opera Mini browser, set up a MiniPay wallet, and start enjoying the benefits of sending more and paying less.

Opera Mini, launched in 2006, continues to offer a superior internet experience with features like data compression, offline file sharing, and a built-in ad-blocker, connecting millions worldwide.

Opera, a global web innovator with over 25 years of innovation, provides a range of products and services, including desktop and mobile browsers, gaming, crypto, and classifieds apps.

Celo, an emerging Ethereum layer-2 blockchain, supports a rich ecosystem with over 1,000 projects worldwide in DeFi, ReFi, and NFT sectors.

Mento Labs, the development team behind Mento, enables real-world use cases of digital assets, supporting four decentralized stable assets and providing customized solutions for partners to launch and operate digital assets globally.

This collaboration signifies a remarkable step towards a more inclusive and accessible financial landscape, bringing the benefits of Web3 to the heart of Africa. The future holds promise as MiniPay, Celo, and Mento Labs continue to revolutionize financial inclusion on the continent.
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Zoho on Wednesday announced a partnership with Momo pencils a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly stationery.

Small and Medium Enterprises and local startups can now access business training programmes after the World Bank and the Kenya government facilitated formalisation of business development services. The Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK), which launched operations with 40 members has now grown its membership to 150 entrepreneur support organisations (ESOs) now tasked with creating tailor-made business programmes that support sector-specific needs of local businesses.
Speaking in Nairobi during the ASSEK Ecosystem Enablers Forum 2024 that was attended by ESO founders and chief executives, ASSEK Chief Executive Mercy Kimalat said ASSEK is now well-placed to support SMEs and Startups’ growth plans through provision of business training that enables the later to enhance their productivity as well as improve on the quality of their services and products.
“We have transformed SMEs and Startups by matching them with the right coach and mentor to help them grow. This is done by ensuring they have access to international opportunities though the stakeholders that we have partnered with. This has enabled many to sell their services and products regionally and beyond,” she said.
Ms Kimalat said SMEs and startups trained through their programmes would also benefit from seed funding adding that the small businesses will have access to diversified funding tailored to their needs through the ASSEK network who also de-risks them through seed grants and providing technical support.
Assek, she said, was actively involved in formulation of Startup Bill, a framework that creates incentives for local and international investors to catalyse local innovations thereby benefiting local innovators by helping fasttrack development of new products for the market.
“The key objective of ASSEK is to boost job creation and growth. This forum facilitates a collaborative discussion focused on realigning the collective vision for ASSEK, identifying emerging opportunities, and fostering an environment conducive to meaningful networking,” she said.
The establishment of the Association, five years ago, has resulted in increased inclusion in the ecosystem, standardisation of approaches, collaboration in attracting investment opportunities, job creation, value addition to local and international stakeholders enabling the innovation space in Kenya as well as policy-makers, enterprise support organisations (ESO’s), financial supporters and more. Assek is also spearheading the formation of a regulatory body for ESOs which will ensure startups and SMEs receive professional business support and investor-linkages thereby enabling them to scale at a faster rate.

Currently, most small businesses rely on family savings and bank loans with no access to professional business support to help them access standardisation services and product improvement services that would help them gain international market access.

About ASSEK
The Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) is an association that brings together and represents the interests of Entrepreneur Support Organisations that support the development and growth of startups and SMEs.

by Wendy Keziah

Champions of Peace Kenya in a consortium and in partnership with the National Counter Terrorism centre is currently implementing a national prevention and countering violent extremism programme in 25 counties in Kenya. Nairobi amongst the regions.

Promoting peace and observing the International Day of preventing violent extremism uniting against extremism to foster global security and tolerance as the world today commemorates the International day of preventing violent Extremism as and When Conducive to terrorism on the 9th of December , the global community reaffirms it’s commitment to combating radicalization and fostering peace.
This annual observance serves as a reminder of the imperative to address the root causes of terrorism and promote dialogue, understanding, and tolerance across borders. Understanding the Significance violent extremism continues to pose a significant threat to global security and stability, with its manifestations varying across regions and communities,whether driven by ideological, political, or socioeconomic factors, and the consequences of extremism reverberate far beyond the individuals directly involved, impacting entire societies and undermining fundamental rights and freedoms.

Global Initiatives and Collaborative efforts in response to the multifaceted challenges posed by violent extremism, international organizations, governments, and civil society entities have mobilized efforts to prevent radicalization and promote resilience. Initiatives such as community engagement programs, educational initiatives, and interfaith dialogue have emerged as crucial components of comprehensive strategies to counter extremism.
Addressing Root causes and building resilience a fundamental aspect of preventing violent extremism lies in addressing its underlying causes. Socioeconomic disparities, political grievances, marginalization, and lack of opportunities can fuel feelings of disenchantment and vulnerability, making individuals susceptible to radical ideologies. By tackling these root causes and promoting inclusive societies, communities can build resilience against extremist narratives. Harnessing technology for positive change the rise of digital platforms has transformed the landscape of radicalization, providing avenues for the dissemination of extremist propaganda and recruitment tactics.
In their statement ,technology also presents opportunities for counter-narratives, online monitoring, and community engagement efforts aimed at preventing radicalization and promoting digital literacy. The role of civil society and community engagement at the heart of preventing violent extremism lies the involvement of local communities, religious leaders, educators, and civil society organizations. By fostering trust, promoting dialogue, and addressing grievances at the grassroots level, communities can effectively challenge extremist narratives and empower individuals to resist radicalization.

In addition, to Ensure accountability and Promoting Rehabilitation in addition to preventive measures, they stated that it’s essential to ensure accountability and provide support for victims of extremism while offering pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration for those who have been radicalized. Rehabilitation programs that address psychological, social, and ideological dimensions are crucial in facilitating the reintegration of individuals into society.
“Looking ahead Sustaining Momentum for Peace as we observe the International Day of Preventing Violent Extremism, it is imperative to recognize that the fight against extremism is an ongoing endeavor that requires sustained commitment, cooperation, and innovation. By fostering a culture of peace, inclusivity, and dialogue, we can collectively build a world where tolerance triumphs over division and where the ideals of peace and security prevail.In commemorating this day, let us reaffirm our shared resolve to prevent violent extremism in all its forms and work towards a future where every individual can live free from fear and oppression”.read the statement.

Cop-K is a non governmental organization with bias to grass root programming , the vision of the organization is to ensure stable, peaceful and secure communities. It also works with communities, families , government, corporate entities and non state Actors in preventing and countering violent extremism as well peace building efforts in ensuring the country remains stable, peaceful and secure.

The Government will construct 16,000 classrooms across the country in readiness for the transition of learners to grade nine next year, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang has said.

Dr. Kipsang spoke this in a speech read on his behalf by the Director Projects Coordination and Delivery for Projects, Mr. Elijah Mungai at Olympics Primary School in Kibra Subcounty in Nairobi yesterday.

The Vice President for Human Development at the World Bank, Ms Mamta Murthi had visited the school. In attendance included Manager, Practice, Education at World Bank Group, Meskerem Mulatu, Senior Educational Specialist at the World Bank office in Nairobi, Ms Ruth Charo, Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Odidi Otieno, and the Regional Director for Education in Nairobi, Ms Margaret Lesuuda among other senior officials in education.

Dr. Kipsang said the government plans to construct 10 additional classrooms to cater for the learners who will transit to grade nine next year.

“We welcome the World Bank to support and partner with the government to build even more classrooms in this school,” Dr. Kipsang said.

Ms Murthi praised Kenya for the strong education outcomes of the children schooling stimulates.

Murthi said Kenya the schooling system in Kenya was ably imparting in learners the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that students ought to acquire.

She said Kenya was also doing well in the enrolment rate of children in schools, noting that education was a critical factor in determining the future of a country.

The Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Odidi Otieno said the government worked through its structures to ensure 100 per cent transition of learners from Primary to secondary education.

The Headteacher of Olympics Primary School, Mr. Cyrus Okumu said that the school had developed a friendly learning environment and an excellent instructional for learners in the school.

He attributed the huge learner population of 5108 to a supportive teaching and non-teaching staff that made learning enjoyable.

“Children keep coming back to school because of the good learning experiences good pedagogy creates,” Mr. Okumu said.

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By Irene Mwende

The nine private security companies that their licenses were terminated by the private security Regulatory Authority ( PSR) Director General Fazul Mohamed can now freely carry on with their services.

Addressing the media on behalf of the Umbrella association of private security Secretary General PROSAK Delano Kiilu noted they had promised an update on the taking rogue by the horns using the PSRA Act of 2016.

“The drafters of the Act envisaged a dispute between the Regulator and it’s subjects . section 43,5 of the Act wher the practioner is aggrieved by a discussion of the Regulator can appeal to the Cabinet Secretary,” said Kiilu

Secretary General PROSAK Delano Kiilu further mentioned the Act provides the moment the appeal is lodged with the Cabinet Secretary .

“The Authority including it’s secretariat will stand stopped, prohibited and barred from dealing with that matter until the CS determines the dispute ” he added

He further highlighted the Act further requires the CS to appoint a three man Ad-hoc team to advise him on the dispute and determine it within 30 days.

“We have since formally filed an appeal with the CS and advised the PSRA it now stopped, prohibited and barred from the matter till the CS determines hi discretion within 30 days,” said Kiilu.

Rose Muturi Managing Director Branch MFB Dan Karuga CEO Sole Kenya

By Benard Mulwa

Branch MFB Kenya’s 1st Neo-bank and Solv Kenya, a full-stack B2B marketplace for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), have entered into a strategic partnership to extend loans, business development support and market linkages to Kenyan MSMEs.

The partnership aims to unlock new growth potential for MSMEs by bridging the credit gap, providing financial guidance and accelerating business linkages for entrepreneurs across the country.

Under the arrangement, Branch MFB will provide loans and working capital of up to Kshs. 1 million for MSMEs on Solv Kenya’s platform, facilitating their cash flow and stock financing from suppliers and distributors.

Speaking during the partnership announcement, Branch East Africa Managing Director Rose Muturi said seamless access to digital financial services will help address liquidity challenges for MSMEs.

This partnership, she said, goes beyond simply providing instant digital loans to enterprises. It is about empowering MSMEs with market linkages and support to build sustainable businesses and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth.

“Access to credit facilities and business support is key to unlocking the full potential of our MSMEs. The partnership is a significant step forward in achieving this goal. By combining our expertise, we will provide Kenyan entrepreneurs with the comprehensive support they need to scale their businesses and contribute to a more vibrant Kenyan economy,” Ms. Muturi said. 

Solv Kenya has a diversified portfolio on its platform, cutting across various supply chains ranging from food, consumer goods, construction, alcoholic beverages, animal feeds, electronics, airline and travel. MSMEs participating in the enrolled value chains are able to obtain stock financing from Branch MFB through the Solv digital platform.

African Lead SC Ventures and Chief Executive Officer Solv Kenya Dan Karuga said the partnership enables them to de-risk lending to MSMEs while opening them up to a diversified portfolio across various supply chains.

“This partnership is a perfect alignment of our technological expertise and a testament to the power of collaboration in driving innovation and growth in Africa’s digital economy. We are confident we will unlock new capital streams for SMEs, enabling them to scale efficiently.  Together, we aim to reach out to more MSMEs and offer them convenient and affordable credit solutions that suit their needs,” Mr. Karuga said.

MSMEs are important contributors to economic growth in Kenya, constituting 98% of all business entities in the country. The sector remains highly informal, as only 20% of the over 7.4 million MSMEs operate as licensed entities. The partnership will provide significant embedded financing solutions for these MSMEs that are often excluded from the formal economy.

“At Branch, we remain committed to cooperating with other industry players to offer financial solutions. Our partnership with Solv Kenya creates a significant embedded financing solution for MSMEs,” Branch International CEO Matt Flannery Said. 

The sector provides enormous opportunities for socio-economic transformation, absorbing low-skill and economically excluded individuals, such as women, persons with disabilities, and those with low levels of education. 

Ismael Abdi Chairman of the Patriotic Youth of Kenya addresses journalists in Nairobi flanked by other youth leaders.

By Ronald Njoroge

Kenyan youth have given Dadaab MP Farah Maalim 24 hours to retract statements he made that he intends to mobilize youth from Garissa to go to Somalia and fight Ethiopia after Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland made an agreement to lease to Ethiopia part of its coastal land around the Port of Berbera to enable it access the Red Sea.

Ethiopia and Somaliland made an agreement on January this year to lease port access to landlocked Ethiopia despite Somaliland still being part of Somalia and therefore not an independent country.
Ismael Abdi Chairman of the Patriotic Youth of Kenya told journalists in Nairobi that Kenyan youth value the good relationships with neighboring countries like Somalia and Ethiopia.
“We are giving Farah Maalim 24 hours to apologize to the youth of Kenya and especially those from Garissa for making such inciteful and undiplomatic statements,” Abdi said.
Maalim made the remarks during the inauguration of the Puntland’s president on 25th January.

Zachary Mbeke, the secretary general of the Patriotic Youth of Kenya addresses journalists in Nairobi flanked by other youth leaders.

Zachary Mbeke, the secretary general said that Kenyan youth are embarrassed and angered by the MPs remarks.
Mbeke noted that Kenyan youth believe in peaceful conflict resolution in case of disagreements.
Anjela Maore, a student leader said that Maalim’ s remarks portray him as an agent provocateur who is welding incitement as a tool and appearing as a recruitment agent for militia groups.
“We expect all our leaders to protect and provide meaningful solutions to ensure youth are more socio-economically empowered,” she added.

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka addressing Congregants at a Service Sunday in Kajiado

By Maximilla Wafula

Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, made a significant public appearance on a busy Sunday in Kajiado, by attending two services in Kajiado at the Full Gospel Church and Kenya Assemblies of God respectively , demonstrting a commitment to both political and religious engagement. This move aimed to connect with the local community on a personal level and establish a rapport beyond the political spectrum.

Wiper leader was accompanied by a host of other leaders including DAP.K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa , His Excellency Governor for Machakos Wavinya Ndeti , Deputy Governor for Kajiado Martin Moshisho , Senators , Member of Parliament , Member of County and Wiper Knec members .

Following the religious service, Kalonza Musyoka proceeded to Kitengela for a rally, where he addressed a diverse crowd on various pertinent issues. The primary concerns highlighted during the rally included the soaring costs of living, a challenge that resonates with many citizens across the country. Kalonza Musyoka used this platform to empathize with the struggles of ordinary Kenyans, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to alleviate the economic burden faced by the people.

Another critical matter addressed at the rally was the issue of heavy housing funds. Kalonza Musyoka voiced the party’s stance on the need for more accessible and affordable housing solutions. He discussed policy proposals and initiatives that Wiper Party plans to implement to ease the housing crisis, underscoring the importance of secure and affordable shelter for every citizen.

The highlight of the day was the official opening of the Wiper Party office in Kitengela. This move demonstrated the party’s commitment to expanding its presence and engaging with the local community at a grassroots level. The opening ceremony was attended by party members, local leaders, and supporters, marking a significant step in consolidating political influence in the region.

During his speech at the office opening, Kalonza Musyoka reiterated the party’s dedication to addressing the concerns of the people. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government and citizens to create sustainable solutions for the challenges faced by Kenyan communities.

One of the key issues that Kalonza Musyoka passionately spoke about was the high-handed approach of the Minister of Education regarding school fees payment through the e-Citizen platform. He condemned the alleged forceful imposition of this payment method on parents, arguing that it added an unnecessary burden to already strained household budgets. Kalonza Musyoka called for a reconsideration of this policy, advocating for a more consultative and inclusive approach in decision-making processes related to education.

In addressing the concerns about school fees payment on the e-Citizen platform, Kalonza Musyoka pointed out the potential negative impact on parents, especially those facing economic hardships. He urged the government to prioritize affordability and accessibility in education, emphasizing the need for policies that empower families rather than burden them further.

In conclusion, Kalonza Musyoka’s busy day in Kajiado and Kitengela showcased the Wiper Party’s commitment to engaging with the community on a broad spectrum of issues. From religious gatherings to political rallies and the opening of a party office, this strategic approach demonstrated an understanding of the multifaceted nature of public concerns. By addressing topics like the high costs of living, heavy housing funds, and education policies, Kalonza Musyoka positioned the Wiper Party as an advocate for the people, ready to address the challenges faced by Kenyan citizens in their daily lives.
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Konza Technopolis Development Authority’s acting CEO John Paul Okwiri

By Maximilla Wafula

The meeting will discuss impacts of changing demographics on entrepreneurship, technology.

It will be the first time Kenya is hosting the event in its 41-year history.

The meeting to be held from September 24 to 27, 2024

Kenya is set to host the 41st IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, IASP 2024 at Konza Technopolis. It will be the first time Kenya is hosting the event in its 41-year history.

The meeting to be held from September 24 to 27, 2024, will discuss the impact of changing demographics on entrepreneurship and technology and explore ways to combat global challenges the world is facing. The conference is expected to bring together experts from science and technology parks and other areas of innovation, technology-based incubators, academia, the public sector, and business to discuss and debate in depth on the latest trends in the industry’s increasingly complex structures for professional innovation support.

Stakeholders of the the 41st IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, IASP 2024 to be held at Konza Technopolis in September.

International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) is a leading association of innovation ecosystems worldwide.

IASP Global President Ebba Lund Lund called on partners to among others engage and support the conference’s planning and positioning as a key event to look out for in Africa in 2024.

“We invite you to support the conference by way of sponsorship under different categories in kind and financially. Submit papers for presentation at the conference and publishing, nominate their spaces for consideration for IASP technical and cultural visits and mobilise delegates to attend the conference,” she said.

Lund made the remarks during a meeting by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy and Konza Technopolis.

Present during the meeting included the CEO of Kenya Space Agency, Hillary Kipkosgey, National Commission for Science and Technology director general Walter Oyawa, CEO of the ICT Authority of Kenya Stanley Kamanguya, PSs Juma Mukhwana (Industrialisation), Hassan Abubakar (Investment Promotion) and Beatrice Inyangala (Higher Education), vice chancellors of public universities, Heads of Missions in Kenya and private sector and development Partners.

Konza, being at the forefront of technological innovation in Africa, has been presented with an opportunity to showcase its cutting-edge technology and innovation ecosystem and demonstrate its crucial role in driving Africa’s digital transformation.

The conference is themed, “Demographics, Entrepreneurship and Technology: Defining the Frontiers of Future Economies.”

The theme was inspired by the rapidly shifting demographics occasioned by technological advancements, climate action and a focus towards Social Development Goals.

“Africa is broadly set to experience significant demographic changes in the coming years, and science parks and innovation districts such as the Konza Technopolis will play a key role in promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth,” added Lund.

Key areas of interest for Kenya include the County Technology and Innovations Delivery Services Programme, Coordination of Technology, Innovation and Commercialization Programme, Science, Technology and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programme.
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