Author: Kaluka wanjala

Safaricom has updated the My OneApp with version, 5.1.5 that is now available on the Google Play Store. It includes improvements based on feedback from users to make the app better. One of the most notable changes is the restoration of the “Favourites” tab within the transactions section. The feature lets users to save and quickly access frequently used contacts. This makes repeat transactions faster and more convenient. The return of this functionality comes after user feedback and uproar over the past few days. Safaricom has also enhanced the “Frequents” section. This now allows users to easily access their most-used…

Airtel Kenya has launched a new referral campaign that will reward customers who bringing in new users to the MyAirtel App.  Dubbed “Refer and Earn,” the initiative allows existing app users to share a referral link or code with friends and family. New users who sign up using the referral receive 1GB of free data. The referrer earns Ksh 20 per month for five months, totaling Ksh 100 per successful referral. To qualify for the referral reward, the new user must purchase airtime or data worth at least Ksh 100 via the app. Speaking on the launch, Ashish Malhotra said…

Credit Bank is looking into working with the fintech company Anzens to add a stablecoin backed by the dollar to its banking services. The initiative is currently in an exploratory phase and subject to regulatory engagement with the Central Bank of Kenya and seeks to assess how regulated stablecoin infrastructure can complement traditional international payment systems. USDA, a stablecoin backed by the dollar that Anzens issues, is at the heart of the partnership. Unlike typical crypto offerings, USDA would function as embedded payments infrastructure within Credit Bank’s ecosystem. Customers would be able to convert Kenyan shillings or US dollars into…

Four Kenyan startups have been selected to join the 10th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. The four are Comana, Duck, ReportsAI, and VunaPay. The four were chosen from a pool of nearly 2,600 applications across Africa, with only 15 startups making it into the final pan-African cohort. With an acceptance rate of less than 1%, the cohort reflects a strong focus on startups building scalable solutions using Artificial Intelligence to solve real-world infrastructure challenges. Each of the selected Kenyan startups is leveraging AI and data infrastructure to solve distinct but critical problems across key sectors: CoAmana…

Liquid Intelligent Technologies has secured $660 million in debt financing, anchored by a $300 million Eurobond that was oversubscribed 2.5 times. The Eurobond is listed on Euronext Dublin and issued under Rule 144A/Regulation S. It forms part of a broader refinancing effort by the company, which is owned by Cassava Technologies. The deal lets Liquid pay off its current debts, extend the time it has to pay them back, and improve its balance sheet. The company can now expand its operations across the continent more easily. The company operates a 115,000-kilometre fibre network spanning more than 25 African countries, alongside…

As incomes and jobs rise in Kenya, people are buying high-quality, energy-efficient and smart home appliances. Consumers have more money to spend on home appliances and have more options on the market. Demand is highest in the major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret. These areas are seeing more middle-class families, more investment in real estate, and more exposure to global consumer trends. This change is attracting companies such as Midea. The company is expanding their footprint in Kenya through partnerships with distributors like Opalnet. Industry players say the opportunity lies in the changing expectations of consumers. “There…

Lua has raised $5.8 million in funding led by Norrsken22. The round also saw participation from Flourish Ventures, 20VC, P1 Ventures, Phosphor Capital and Y Combinator, alongside a group of angel investors. If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here. Lua is positioning itself as an “operating system” for agent-based work. It allows companies to build, deploy, and manage AI-powered agents that work alongside human teams. The company was founded by Lorcan O’Cathain and Stefan Kruger, who previously worked together scaling a fintech business in East Africa. O’Cathain later served as Managing Director…

Craft Silicon has announced the launch of TouristTap, a new digital payments system that will make it easier for tourists to pay for things all over the country. TouristTap has now been formally recognized by the Government of Kenya as an authorized payment option. If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here. The platform was unveiled during the “Tap into Kenya” event and is already approved for use across key tourism touchpoints, including national parks, hotels, coastal destinations and other attractions. TouristTap makes it easier for visitors to make payments directly using their…

Africa Tech Summit London is set to return on May 29, 2026 at the London Stock Exchange. Now in its 10th edition, the summit will convene more than 350 investors, founders, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore the technologies and trends defining Africa’s next growth phase. Key themes will span fintech, artificial intelligence (AI), climate innovation, venture capital growth and digital infrastructure. If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here. Andrew Fassnidge noted the significant evolution of Africa’s tech ecosystem over the past decade. “When Africa Tech Summit was born in 2016, the…

A Kenyan startup, Zerobionic, has been selected as part of the 2026 cohort of Qualcomm’s Make in Africa Mentorship Programme. Zerobionic is developing assistive robotics solutions aimed at improving independence and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Its selection places it among 10 startups chosen from more than 1,200 applications spanning over 45 countries. The Make in Africa programme falls under the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform. This initiative designed to support early-stage startups working on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart systems and connected solutions. Participants in the program will benefit from mentorship, engineering advice and business training. All these…