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Businesses raise alarm over WhatsApp usernames citing customer loss

Jane Muia
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Businesses raise alarm over WhatsApp usernames citing customer loss

Businesses are raising concerns over WhatsApp’s username feature, arguing that the privacy-focused change could complicate customer identification, disrupt order fulfilment and direct communication in commercial transactions.

Traders who rely on the messaging platform to attract customers, negotiate sales and coordinate deliveries say replacing phone numbers with usernames could create communication gaps, especially when dealing with new clients whose contact details have not been saved.

The feature, which allows users to communicate without disclosing their mobile numbers, is aimed at strengthening user privacy.

However, business operators argue that the reduced visibility of phone numbers could make it harder to verify contacts and maintain reliable links with customers.

Muhammad Onyango, a businessman, said the change could undermine businesses that invest in advertising to generate sales but struggle to obtain customers’ direct contact details.

“WhatsApp usernames are seriously messing things up for businesses. You spend money running ads, chat with potential customers, close deals and dispatch orders, only to realise you never got the customer’s phone number. Now your rider is stranded, the customer is offline, and you have no direct way of reaching them. All because a username replaced a phone number,” Mr Onyango, an authorized Apple, Samsung and Casio watches reseller at Umoja Marketplace Africa notes.

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How the WhatsApp username feature works

The new system allows WhatsApp users to create unique usernames that can be shared with other people in place of their mobile numbers.

This enables individuals to initiate conversations and receive messages or calls without necessarily disclosing their personal phone numbers.

WhatsApp says the feature is aimed at enhancing user privacy, especially when interacting with strangers, participating in public groups or communicating with people they do not know well.

“Your phone number is personal, and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. That’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp,” the company said.

Existing contacts who already have a person’s phone number can continue communicating normally.

Traders fear missed sales and delivery complications

Traders fear that the new feature could disrupt business operations especially for businesses that operate online.

Phone numbers are commonly used to confirm identities, arrange deliveries, follow up on payments and maintain contact after a sale.

Traders also rely on direct contact details to build professional relationships, receive referrals and connect with potential clients and business partners.

This means that if a customer using a username goes offline, it could be difficult for a business to contact them directly.

 “If you set up a username, people who don’t have your number saved may see your username instead of your actual phone number. Imagine you’re selling something, looking for clients, or networking with new people. Someone wants to find you using your phone number, but all they can see is your username. They might struggle to identify you or reach you the way they expected. That could mean missed calls, lost customers, or business going to someone else who is easier to contact,” a WhatsApp user identified as Rong shared.

Also Read: Precious Blood Riruta demands parents pay millions for remedial classes

Boardroom Imperatives: Turning Digital Trust into a Competitive Edge

Bizna Team
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Boardroom Imperatives: Turning Digital Trust into a Competitive Edge

For decades, cybersecurity sat comfortably on the margins of the corporate boardroom. It was largely treated as an IT issue, left to chief information officers and technology teams. Board members received periodic reports filled with technical jargon before returning their attention to revenue growth, expansion and capital allocation.

That approach is no longer sustainable. As Kenyan and African enterprises accelerate digital transformation, embrace open banking APIs, migrate critical infrastructure to multi-cloud environments and deploy Generative AI, their exposure to cyber threats is expanding rapidly. Cyber risk is no longer simply a technology concern. It is now a board-level issue that can determine corporate value, regulatory compliance, business continuity and public trust.

After more than three decades of working in technology and organisational transformation across governments, non-profits and large enterprises, I believe boards must begin viewing digital trust not as a defensive cost, but as a strategic asset that can create competitive advantage.

The Growing Scale of Cyber Threats

The scale of the threat is significant. According to regular threat intelligence reports from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), through the National KE-CIRT/CC, Kenya routinely detects billions of cyber threat events every quarter. These include system vulnerabilities, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, ransomware and increasingly sophisticated supply-chain compromises.

For large enterprises, the danger goes beyond automated attacks. Sophisticated threat actors increasingly target intellectual property, high-value financial transactions and vast databases containing customer information. The risks also extend beyond an organisation’s own systems. As businesses across the region adopt cloud platforms and increasingly depend on external technology providers, misconfigured cloud environments and poorly monitored third-party access can create significant vulnerabilities.

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The Business Cost of a Cybersecurity Breach

When a serious breach occurs, the damage is rarely limited to the cost of repairing systems. Businesses can face operational disruption, regulatory penalties, litigation, loss of investor confidence and, perhaps most damaging, the erosion of customer trust and market share.

Cybersecurity should therefore be integrated into business strategy from the outset. Done properly, it enables innovation by allowing companies to adopt new technologies, enter markets and launch digital products with greater confidence. Boards should assess cyber risk through the same financial and strategic lens they apply to other major business risks. Strong cybersecurity protects both tangible and intangible assets, reduces unexpected losses and can enhance enterprise value. It can also influence cyber-insurance costs, the cost of capital and the attractiveness of a company during mergers, acquisitions and strategic partnerships.

Regulatory Compliance and Board Accountability

There is also a growing regulatory imperative. Under Section 31 of Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019, data controllers and processors are required to undertake Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) before processing that is likely to result in high risks to individuals’ rights and freedoms. DPIAs should therefore not be treated as administrative paperwork. For boards and risk committees, they should form part of the decision-making process for major technology deployments, new products and digital transformation initiatives.

Similarly, the Central Bank of Kenya’s Guidance Note on Cybersecurity Risk Management places responsibility on boards of financial institutions to oversee cybersecurity strategies, ensure appropriate resources and review independent assessments of cyber resilience. Cybersecurity is increasingly a governance responsibility, not merely a technical one.

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Four Priorities for the Boardroom

1. Translate Cyber Risk into Financial Language

Boards cannot effectively govern what they cannot measure. Counting blocked malware attacks tells directors little about potential business loss. Frameworks such as Factor Analysis of Information Risk (FAIR) can help translate cyber exposure into monetary terms, enabling boards to assess investments against return on investment and risk appetite.

2. Build Privacy and Security into Projects from the Beginning

Privacy by Design means embedding security controls, encryption and data-minimisation measures into products and services at the design stage rather than trying to fix weaknesses after launch.

3. Prioritise Operational Resilience, Not Just Prevention

No organisation can guarantee a zero-risk environment. Boards should therefore demand realistic tabletop exercises in which executives and directors practise responding to ransomware, data breaches and major service disruptions.

4. Strengthen Third-Party Risk Management

An enterprise can have excellent internal controls and still be exposed through a weak supplier. Vendor frameworks should include appropriate security audits, recognised certifications such as ISO/IEC 27001 and binding data-processing agreements with clear breach-notification requirements.

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Digital Trust as a Competitive Advantage

In an economy where consumers, investors and international partners increasingly care about how organisations protect data, digital trust can become a powerful market differentiator. Companies that demonstrate responsible data stewardship, transparent governance and strong cyber resilience will be better positioned to win customers, attract investment, manage insurance costs and secure international partnerships.

The Board’s Responsibility in Building Digital Trust

Cybersecurity is no longer an IT detail to be delegated and forgotten. It is a cornerstone of modern corporate governance. For Kenya’s boardrooms, the question is no longer whether cyber risk belongs on the agenda. It is whether directors are prepared to treat digital trust as a strategic asset, and use it to build more resilient, credible and competitive enterprises.

I’m 36, single and earning Sh75,000. How can I save for IVF and retire at 45?

Jane Muia
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I’m 36, single and earning Sh75,000. How can I save for IVF and retire at 45?

A 36-year-old woman earning Sh75,000 a month is seeking advice on how to budget her money as she plans to retire at 45.

According to a post shared by Benjamin Cheruiyot on his X account, the lady, identified as Jane, plans to undergo in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and establish a charitable trust after leaving formal employment.

However, her current budget and savings rate could make it difficult to achieve these goals within her planned timeline.

Responding to the matter, Cheruiyot, a financial adviser at Abojani Investments, reviewed Jane’s monthly expenses, savings and long-term ambitions before recommending changes to her financial plan.

According to him, her expenses include Sh25,000 for rent, Sh15,000 in money market fund (MMF) savings, Sh8,000 for food and shopping, Sh8,000 for transport, Sh5,000 for supporting her mother, Sh7,500 in tithes, Sh2,500 for utilities, Sh2,000 for airtime and internet, and another Sh2,000 for miscellaneous expenses.

She has accumulated Sh1.2 million in MMF savings and intends to spend Sh500,000 on an IVF procedure.

However, Cheruiyot identified her housing costs and monthly savings rate as major obstacles to her ambition of retiring at 45.

Also Read: Simple money habits that helped me save Sh450,000 in one year

He noted that her rent accounts for approximately 33 per cent of her monthly income, leaving limited room to increase savings without compromising other financial commitments.

Cheruiyot recommended that she reduce her rent to Sh20,000 and redirect the Sh5,000 difference into her MMF savings.

He also advised her to increase her monthly savings from Sh15,000 to Sh25,000 if she intends to achieve financial independence by 45.

According to his projections, saving Sh15,000 monthly could grow her investments to approximately Sh4.5 million by age 45, an amount he estimates would fall short of the Sh6 million required to generate Sh50,000 in monthly passive income.

He warned that maintaining her current savings rate could force her to continue working until around age 50 rather than leaving employment at 45.

To protect her savings while pursuing IVF, Cheruiyot advised Jane to separate the Sh500,000 allocated for the procedure from her emergency and long-term investment funds by placing it in a dedicated MMF account.

The remaining Sh700,000 would be retained as her financial independence fund.

Under his proposed plan, Jane would save Sh20,000 monthly for the next six months, adding Sh120,000 to her investments.

Including an estimated Sh42,000 in interest, her financial independence fund could grow to approximately Sh862,000 before the IVF procedure.

Cheruiyot noted that if the procedure succeeds in the first cycle, she would still have the Sh862,000 fund available for further investment and growth.

Beyond her retirement plans, the financial adviser also addressed Jane’s ambition to establish a charitable trust at age 45.

He advised her to begin volunteering at a children’s home to gain experience, build professional networks and develop a track record relevant to her future charitable work.

He also pointed to registration requirements, noting that the NGO Coordination Board requires proof of annual income of Sh1 million for the relevant registration process.

Cheruiyot cautioned that retiring at 45 may be too ambitious given Jane’s competing financial priorities, including fertility treatment, supporting her mother and building a charitable organisation.

He suggested that extending her working years to age 50 could give her more time to accumulate wealth and pursue her plans without placing excessive pressure on her finances.

“Age 45 looks too ambitious for your goals. You could still work until 50 to comfortably actualize your dreams without undue financial pressure,” he advised.

Also Read: Smart way to make a Sh25,000 monthly salary work for you

From Rusinga School to Drexel University: Inside Winnie Odinga’s education background

Jane Muia
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From Rusinga School to Drexel University: Inside Winnie Odinga’s education background

Winnie Irmgard Odinga, the youngest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga and Ida Odinga, is a prominent figure in Kenya’s political landscape and an increasingly influential voice in East African affairs.

Born on March 6, 1990, in Nairobi, Winnie grew up in a family deeply involved in the country’s political affairs alongside his siblings Fidel, Rosemary, and Raila Odinga Junior.

Named after Winnie Mandela, the late South African anti-apartheid campaigner, she developed an early interest in politics, justice and leadership.

When she was 11, her mother introduced her to Mandela’s life and ideals by giving her a biography of the South African activist. The book helped shape her understanding of resilience and public service.

Growing up, she often accompanied her father during political campaigns and served as his trusted aide and confidante.

Also Read: Technical University of Kenya advertises 25 teaching and administrative jobs

Education at prestigious institutions

Winnie began her formal education at Rusinga School in Nairobi, where she completed her primary schooling before joining Brookhouse International School, one of the capital’s established international schools, for her secondary education.

Her academic journey later took her to the United States, where she enrolled at Drexel University in Philadelphia. She graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Corporate Communication.

After returning to Kenya, Winnie continued her studies at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) in Nairobi, where she pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA), complating in 2016.

Her academic background in business and corporate communication provided a foundation for her subsequent work in strategic communications, political campaigns and public affairs.

From political aide to regional legislator

Winnie’s career developed alongside her father’s political activities. After returning from the United States, she became closely involved in his political operations, helping coordinate campaign logistics and digital communications.

She also served as a driver and confidante during key election campaigns.

In 2008, she established The BrickHouse Counsel, a Nairobi-based strategic communications firm that worked with political campaigns across Africa and international clients, including English football club Everton FC.

The venture marked her entry into the communications industry, where she applied her interests in technology, messaging and political strategy.

Her career took a further turn in 2022 when she was elected to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) as a Kenyan representative, backed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

At the regional legislature, Winnie has focused on issues including digital rights, regional integration and youth representation.

Also Read: Precious Blood Riruta demands parents pay millions for remedial classes

Technical University of Kenya advertises 25 teaching and administrative jobs

Jane Muia
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Technical University of Kenya advertises 25 teaching and administrative jobs

The Technical University of Kenya (TUK) has announced 25 teaching and administrative vacancies.

According to an advertisement published in the October 13, 2026, edition of MyGov Newspaper, the recruitment drive is largely focused on academic staff, with 22 positions available across five engineering and technology departments.

The university is seeking one Senior Lecturer (Grade XIIIA) in the Department of Computing and Information Technologies, alongside 21 Lecturers (Grade XIIA).

The Department of Civil and Resource Engineering has the highest number of lecturer vacancies, with six positions in structural and geotechnical engineering (three), transportation and highway engineering (two), and water and environmental engineering (one).

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The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering is also recruiting six lecturers. The vacancies cover power and energy (three), instrumentation and control (two), and telecommunication and information engineering (one).

Three lecturer positions are available in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, with one vacancy each in aircraft structures, avionics, and manufacturing and material science.

The Department of Surveying and Spatial Sciences has two openings covering geodetic science, hydrographic and engineering surveying, as well as geospatial web development, topographic mapping and geovisualisation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Computing and Information Technologies is recruiting four lecturers in computer networks and distributed systems, software engineering and systems design, multimedia technologies and interactive media, and artificial intelligence and intelligent systems.

Beyond the academic positions, TUK is seeking two nursing professionals for its University Health, Safety and Wellness Services. The vacancies are for a Nursing Officer (Grade X) and a Registered Nurse II (Grade IX).

The university has also re-advertised the position of Chief Internal Auditor (Grade XV) in its Audit and Systems Evaluations office.

The positions are on permanent and pensionable terms, except for the Chief Internal Auditor post, which is offered on a five-year contract renewable once, subject to performance.

How to apply

Interested candidates are required to submit an electronic application containing a detailed curriculum vitae, academic and professional certificates, and other relevant testimonials to [email protected].

Applicants must also submit a hard copy addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, The Technical University of Kenya, P.O. Box 52428-00200, Nairobi. Alternatively, applications may be delivered to the university’s Human Resource office in Room L17.

Candidates must clearly indicate the position they are applying for and quote the relevant reference number on both the envelope and the application letter.

The application deadline is October 27, 2026, at 5 pm EAT. Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.

Also Read: KRA collects Sh90 billion in customs revenue, exceeds target by Sh965 million

Precious Blood Riruta demands parents pay millions for remedial classes

Bethuel Kipsang
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Precious Blood Riruta demands parents pay millions for remedial classes
Precious Blood Riruta Secondary School has been demanding thousands of shillings from parents in a shocking scheme disguised as remedial classes and teacher motivation.

Details that are unraveling from these demands for extra cash suggest that the popular school may be collecting money amounting to millions in illegal additional charges that have not been approved by the Ministry of Education.

One of the parents who received a demand message from the school shared its details publicly. In the message, Precious Blood Riruta was demanding Sh30,000 from the parent in order to provide ‘Academic Support’ to their child, even though neither the child nor the parent had requested for this ‘support’.

“Dear parent, [Child’s Name] fee balance as of August 10, 2026 is Sh30,000,” a message shared by the parent showed. The message further showed that the amount that the school was demanding was not part of the required school fees, but was rather a fee the school was imposing on parents under the guise of ‘academic support’. “Kindly clear the above balance for the Academic Support Classes on or before August 21, 2026, to avoid any inconveniences.”

Alarmingly, the message went on to issue instructions that once the parent made the payment to a specific Paybill Number, they were to forward their payment confirmation message to their Class Representative who would then update their records. This Class Representative is a fellow parent at the same school with no administrative role authorized by the Ministry of Education.

It was not clear why the school had directed that the payment records go through the Class Representative instead of the school’s official accountant.

Ms Terry Muchiri is another parent at Precious Blood Riruta parent who also received the Sh30,000 demand notice. She publicly questioned why the school was making such demands, even though parents had already parted with another Sh10,000 per student earlier in the year.

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“If the class has 50 students and each is paying Sh30,000, that amounts to a whopping Sh1.5 million. If the class in question has 5 streams, that the amounts to Sh7.5 million,” Ms Muchiri said.

Ms. Muchiri received this demand even after clearing the actual fee balance of about Sh15,000 for term three that she owed the school. When she visited the school to confront the principal about the demand, Ms. Muchiri said that the principal summoned her daughter and ordered her not to be seen in class during morning or evening preps.

After going public about the demand messages for the extra money, one of the teachers at the school whom she identified as Charles Otieno told her that the extra fees were there to stay. “Unadhani ni mtoto wako pekee aliambia alipe? Si ungempeleka shule yako! [Do you think your child is the only one who has been asked to pay? You should have admitted her to your own school!! [Precious Blood Riruta] has been there and it will be there without your daughter!” the teacher at the school told Ms Muchiri.

Alarmingly, Precious Blood Riruta has also been flagged by the Office of the Auditor General Nancy Gathungu over financial malpractices.

Seven in 10 Kenyans not on track for comfortable retirement, SanlamAllianz Study Finds

Peninnnah M
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Seven in 10 Kenyans not on track for comfortable retirement, SanlamAllianz Study Finds

NAIROBI, Kenya, 12 October 2026 – – Seven in 10 Kenyans say they are not on track for a comfortable retirement, despite widespread awareness of the importance of saving for later life, according to the inaugural SanlamAllianz

Kenya Retirement Benchmark released in Nairobi today.The study, themed “Kenya Before It Ages”, finds the problem is not understanding; household budgets are stretched, savings leak out when people change jobs, and few know what monthly income their savings will buy.

“Kenya has made remarkable progress in expanding financial access and inclusion. The next challenge is ensuring that financial participation translates into long-term financial security. Retirement should be a stage of life that offers dignity, independence and choice, not one where people are forced to scale back their ambitions,” said Jacqueline Karasha,

Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer, Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance (Kenya) Limited.Family first, retirement lastHousehold and family costs are the biggest barrier to saving at 44 per cent, followed by low or irregular income at 37 per cent and debt repayments at 24 per cent.

Only four per cent blame a lack of understanding or trust in retirement products.62 per cent say supporting dependants cuts what they can save, and 39 per cent could cover basic household costs for two months or less if their income stopped today. In the past year, 23 per cent dipped into savings or cut retirement contributions when money was tight, rising to 29 per cent among earners aged 20 to 39.Cashing out at the exit doorAmong respondents who left a job or business holding retirement savings,

53 per cent withdrew at least part of the money and 26 per cent took everything. Only 32 per cent kept or transferred the full amount. A third used the cash to start or support a business or farm.Yet 65 per cent said they understood the impact at the time, and 53 per cent later regretted the decision. One in five received no help at all when they left.

“The findings show that most Kenyans understand the importance of saving for retirement, yet everyday financial pressures often compete with long-term goals. This is why preservation cannot rely on awareness alone,” said Ms Karasha.

 “As an industry, we have a responsibility to make it easier for people to stay invested, provide relevant guidance when key decisions arise, and design solutions that reflect the realities of people’s lives.”Saving without a destinationOne in five working-age contributors do not know how much they have saved, and only 29 per cent know the monthly income they will need in retirement.

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45 per cent had never heard of income drawdown, yet 51 per cent want a guaranteed monthly income for life.53 per cent have no funded plan for medical costs after retirement. Remarkably, 88 per cent say they would keep working or run a business even if their retirement income was enough.“Kenya has made significant progress in building a savings culture, but the next step is turning those savings into sustainable retirement income.

Retirement security is ultimately not about the balance someone accumulates during their working years, but whether those savings can provide a reliable income throughout retirement.” said Jonathan Stichbury,

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SanlamAllianz Investments Limited.Beyond the payslip, and a scam warningKenya’s economy grew 4.6 per cent in 2025, but the informal sector accounted for 87.2 per cent of new jobs, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

 Among working respondents, 39 per cent say their earnings change from month to month and 51 per cent of informal workers would rather pay in by mobile money.But digital reach comes with a warning: 45 per cent have lost money or personal information to a digital financial scam, rising to 54 per cent among younger respondents.

A trusted provider or regulator tops the list of features that would draw them to a retirement product.“Kenya has a rare advantage: time. As a relatively young country, we have an opportunity to strengthen retirement preparedness before demographic pressures become more pronounced.

Through the SanlamAllianz Kenya Retirement Benchmark, we aim to measure progress, stimulate dialogue and support the decisions needed to improve retirement outcomes for future generations.” said Dr Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo, Group Chief Executive Officer, SanlamAllianz Kenya.SanlamAllianz will repeat the Benchmark every year to track how these measures move.

Africa’s cyberattacks surge 421% as digital economy growth raises security concerns

Peninnnah M
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Africa’s cyberattacks surge 421% as digital economy growth raises security concerns

Africa’s digital economy is growing at remarkable speed, opening new opportunities for people, businesses and governments across the continent. Building strong cyber resilience will be key to sustaining that momentum, according to the new Mastercard-commissioned whitepaper, Africa’s Digital Defense Race.

The whitepaper highlights that between 2016 and 2025, mobile money users grew 5.9 times, digital banking users 4.7 times and the e-commerce market 5.3 times. The findings come as Africa’s digital payments economy is on track to reach USD 1.5 trillion by 2030.

However, cyber threat activity grew at a similar pace over the same period, highlighting both the growing risk facing Africa’s digital economy and the opportunity to strengthen the governance, skills, infrastructure and collaboration needed to secure its continued growth.

Africa’s cyberattacks surge 421% as digital economy growth raises security concerns

Shabir Ahmed, Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions Center Lead, Africa, said: “Africa’s digital growth is creating real opportunity for people and businesses across the continent, and protecting it has become a leadership priority. As threats become more sophisticated and coordinated, our response has to be just as coordinated. That is why we launched the Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, bringing the public and private sectors together to share intelligence, knowledge and best practices. Building that resilience together is how Africa continues to grow with confidence.”

New Trend Micro report puts Kenya cyber security losses for 2022 at Kshs 3.6 billion

Mastercard Cyber Insights recorded 69,236 observed cyber events targeting African organizations in 2025, equivalent to roughly one event every eight minutes. Between 2016 and 2025, cyberattacks across the continent increased by more than 421%, compared with 307% globally, the whitepaper finds.

The whitepaper shows how cyber resilience priorities vary across Africa’s diverse digital ecosystem. Nigeria, home to one of Africa’s largest fintech ecosystems, accounted for a significant share of observed cyberattacks in Africa this year. South Africa’s concentrated financial sector was the target of 12.6% of the continent’s observed attacks. Morocco, a growing regional technology hub linking North Africa to Europe, has built one of the continent’s more institutionalized cyber governance structures. In Kenya, the report highlights the importance of strengthening resilience around the systems that support financial inclusion and digital growth.

Africa’s cyberattacks surge 421% as digital economy growth raises security concerns

Protecting the data that powers growth

Three sectors – technology, public sector and financial services –  together account for 44% of observed activity, the whitepaper finds, reflecting the high-value data and services these sectors hold as engines of Africa’s digital growth. Personal information, financial information and customer-facing services together made up 27% of targeted assets, a reminder that resilience is ultimately about protecting the people and businesses relying on these services every day.

Talent is the opportunity

The whitepaper points to talent as the clearest opportunity for investment. Africa has roughly 200, 000 cybersecurity roles waiting to be filled, a shortage equal to 23% of its current cybersecurity workforce. The Africa Cybersecurity Center of Excellence supports this by bringing security leaders and teams together to share knowledge and best practices, and by helping organizations build readiness through scenario-based exercises.

Africa’s cyberattacks surge 421% as digital economy growth raises security concerns

Resilience is a shared responsibility

Collective action is already delivering results. Between June and August 2025, Interpol’s Operation Serengeti 2.0 led to 1,209 arrests across 18 African countries and the recovery of USD 97.4 million.

Mastercard approaches resilience through collaboration, working alongside governments, financial institutions and businesses of all sizes. The Center of Excellence brings together the public and private sectors to share threat intelligence, monitor risk and strengthen collective defense across the continent, providing a platform for the kind of coordinated response needed as Africa’s digital economy grows.

The full whitepaper, Africa’s Digital Defense Race, is among the Center’s first offerings and can be downloaded at (LINK).

KRA collects Sh90 billion in customs revenue, exceeds target by Sh965 million

Jane Muia
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0
KRA collects Sh90 billion in customs revenue, exceeds target by Sh965 million

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) collected Sh90.05 billion in customs revenue in September 2026, exceeding its monthly target by Sh965 million as higher import values boosted receipts from international trade.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, the authority said its Customs and Border Control Department achieved 101.1 per cent of its Sh89.088 billion target, representing a 5.8 per cent increase from the Sh85.146 billion collected in September 2025.

“There was a 5.8 per cent increase noted in the collection compared to the Sh85.146 billion collected in September 2025, signalling continued growth in revenue generated from international trade,” KRA said.

The improved performance was supported by a 25.6 per cent rise in the total value of imports, which drove growth in non-oil customs revenue. The value of bulk cargo imports recorded an even stronger increase of 49.2 per cent.

Imports of motor vehicles also rose by 8.1 per cent, while the volume of containerised cargo handled, measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), increased by 8.2 per cent.

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KRA attributed the performance to measures it rolled out to improve compliance and curb revenue losses.

“The results underscore the role of effective Customs administration in facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding government revenue. KRA continues to strengthen compliance through technology-driven customs processes and enhanced enforcement against illicit trade and revenue leakage,” KRA said.

The authority is pursuing reforms aimed at making cross-border trade more efficient and predictable while improving transparency in customs operations.

Among the measures is the introduction of the Advanced Cargo Declaration (ACD), alongside greater use of data in cargo risk management.

The initiative, launched in July, is aimed at strengthening the identification of high-risk consignments. KRA is also working to improve the processing of customs declarations.

The reforms come as the authority seeks to sustain revenue growth while facilitating legitimate trade and tightening controls against illicit transactions.

“The September performance reinforces KRA’S commitment to mobilizing revenue required to finance the Government’s development priorities, support economic growth and strengthen the country’s fiscal position,” KRA added.

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How to apply for a salary advance from Equity Bank: A step-by-step guide

Jane Muia
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0
How to apply for a salary advance from Equity Bank: A step-by-step guide

Financial emergencies are unavoidable, and when they arise, most people find themselves in a panic, wondering how to sort them out.

In such moments, some people turn to friends and family for financing, while others turn to digital lenders for mobile loans, which can be expensive.

However, the changing banking landscape has made it easier for people to access affordable loans suited to their needs.

Banks are rolling out loan products suited for every financial need. A good option is salary advance loans, which target salaried employees.

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For instance, at Equity Bank, salaried customers can access a short-term loan of up to Sh300,000, subject to the bank’s assessment of their financial profile and account activity.

The loan has a repayment period of up to 12 months, allowing borrowers to spread repayments over time.

Equity Bank offers preferential terms, with repayment arranged through a check-off system or deductions from the customer’s account upon receipt of salary.

Requirements for Equity Bank Salary Advance

To qualify for the facility, applicants must have an active Equity Bank account into which they have deposited at least three months’ salary.

Applicants are also required to provide a confirmation or introduction letter from their employer, a recent payslip and valid identification documents.

The bank assesses each application based on the customer’s profile before determining eligibility and the amount that can be advanced.

How to Apply

Employees seeking a Salary Advance can apply by following these steps:

  1. Visit a branch: Go to the nearest Equity Bank branch to begin the application process.
  2. Complete the application: Fill in the Salary Advance loan application form and submit it to the bank alongside the required documents.
  3. Wait for assessment: The bank reviews the application and assesses the customer’s eligibility.
  4. Receive the offer letter: If the application is approved, the bank issues an offer letter detailing the loan terms.
  5. Accept the offer: Review and sign the offer letter, return it to the bank, and fulfil any outstanding conditions for loan approval.
  6. Receive the funds: Once all the required conditions have been met, the bank disburses the loan.

Also Read: Equity Group CEO Dr James Mwangi Appointed to South-North Commission on Development

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