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Equity Mobile App now lets you authorize payments Using your face ID or Fingerprint

Peninnnah M
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Equity Mobile App now lets you authorize payments Using your face ID or Fingerprint

Imagine accessing your bank account and authorising payments with only a glance or a touch.

This is the experience the Equity Mobile App is now delivering through biometric authorization by giving customers the ability to approve transactions using facial recognition or fingerprint verification, Equity is introducing a faster, simpler, and significantly more secure way to bank.

In a digital landscape where cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, this update is far more than a routine app feature; it is an essential security upgrade that puts more control back into your hands.

By integrating fingerprint and facial recognition payment authorization directly into its mobile platform, Equity is bringing the same intuitive security you trust on your personal device straight into your daily banking journey.

Here is a look at why activating biometrics on your banking app is one of the smartest security moves you can make today.

For decades, passwords and PINs were the gold standard for personal security. But as cybercriminals have grown more sophisticated, traditional passcodes may not be enough protection:

  • Shoulder Surfing: Someone can simply watch your screen as you key in your PIN in public.
  • Phishing & Social Engineering: Scammers use clever impersonation tricks to convince people to share passwords or SMS codes over the phone.
  • Credential Guessing: Simple PINs (like birth years or repeating digits) are surprisingly easy for fraudsters to guess.

Once a scammer gets hold of your PIN, your account becomes vulnerable. Biometrics change that game entirely.

Faster Transactions, Greater Convenience

Life moves fast, and banking should keep up. Whether you are paying a business supplier, sending money to family, buying groceries, or approving a crucial commercial transfer, every second matters.

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With biometric payment authorization you get enhanced protection without the friction:

  • Instant Logins: Access your account in milliseconds with a single touch or glance.
  • Rapid Approvals: Authorize payments effortlessly without repeatedly entering passwords or verification codes.
  • Frictionless Banking: Spend less time typing and more time focusing on what matters most.

How Biometric Approval Protects Your Money

Biometrics replace “something you know” (like a PIN) with “something you are” (your fingerprint or face). Here is why that difference creates an ironclad layer of defense around your Equity account:

  1. You Can’t Phish a Fingerprint

Scammers can trick someone into reading back an OTP or PIN over the phone, but they cannot steal your biological features over a call or fake website. Biometric approval ensures that money leaves your account only when you physically authorize it.

  1. Zero Server Storage, Maximum Privacy

A common question people ask is: “Is Equity storing my face or fingerprint on their systems?”

The answer is NO. Your biometric data never leaves your smartphone. Your fingerprint or facial recognition information remains protected by your phone’s security features. When you approve a transfer, your phone simply confirms to the app: “Yes, this is the verified owner.”

  1. Total Protection If Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen

If someone grabs your phone while unlocked, traditional banking apps might still be vulnerable if the thief knows or guesses your PIN. With biometric approvals enabled, an unauthorized person cannot complete transfers or make payments; your face or fingerprint is strictly required for every approval.

Face ID and fingerprint approval are optional. If your phone doesn’t support biometrics or you prefer not to enable them, you can continue approving payments using your PIN, just as you do today.

Activating biometric approval on the Equity Mobile App takes less than a minute. Here is how to do it right now:

  1. Open your Equity Mobile App.
  2. Tap on Settings and head to Security
  3. Enable Face ID/ Fingerprint for transaction.
  4. Enter your current PIN once to confirm it’s you.

That’s it! From now on, your login and transaction approvals are locked behind your unique biological signature.

Get started today: Take Control of Your Security

Convenience in mobile banking shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. By switching to biometric approvals on Equity Mobile, you get the best of both worlds: lightning-fast approvals for you, and an impassable wall for fraudsters.

The new social club: Why book clubs are becoming the places to be

Peninnnah M
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The new social club: Why book clubs are becoming the places to be

For years, the book club was easy to picture: a small group of friends, often women, meeting in someone’s home to discuss a book they had agreed to read. It was as much about friendship as it was about literature.

That picture is changing.

Across Nairobi, book clubs are increasingly finding their way into cafés, restaurants, bookstores, libraries and other public spaces. They are attracting people across generations and creating something that goes beyond reading: a reason to leave the house, meet people and have a conversation.

For a generation accustomed to connecting through screens, the simple act of gathering around a book is taking on a different meaning.

The rise of book clubs is part of a wider return to interest-based social spaces. People are looking for ways to meet others around something they genuinely enjoy, rather than relying exclusively on traditional social settings. Reading provides a natural starting point because it creates something to talk about while leaving room for different perspectives, experiences and personalities.

And this is not necessarily a young person’s phenomenon. Book clubs have long brought together established reading communities and older readers. What is interesting now is the growing participation of younger adults and professionals who are finding their way into these spaces, sometimes alongside people from very different generations.

A book can create a conversation between people who might otherwise never meet. A 25-year-old professional and a 50-year-old parent may have very different life experiences, yet arrive at the same discussion with something meaningful to contribute.

The numbers suggest that the wider reading community continues to find value in this social dimension. The 2025 State of Reading Report from Everand and Fable found that 37 percent of readers surveyed participated in a book club in 2025, the same proportion as in 2024. The report also pointed to growing interest in community-based recommendations as readers look beyond algorithm-driven discovery.

There is also a growing appetite for less conventional ways of gathering around books. Silent Book Clubs, for example, allow people to meet in public spaces and read alongside one another without the pressure of everyone reading the same book or participating in a structured discussion. The format reflects a wider desire for social connection without the demands of conventional socialising.

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In Kenya, the growth of organised reading communities is also visible through initiatives such as Nairobi Book Club, which describes itself as a community for Nairobians looking to share stories, exchange ideas and make new friends through reading.

So, what is drawing people in?

Perhaps it is because book clubs offer something that increasingly feels scarce: intentional connection.

Much of modern social life happens through notifications, group chats and social media feeds. A book club requires people to be present. You have to listen to another person’s interpretation, disagree thoughtfully and perhaps discover an idea you had never considered.

There is also something appealing about having a social activity that does not revolve around drinking, partying or spending large amounts of money. The book becomes the common interest, while the real value may be the relationships and conversations that develop around it.

This shift is also changing the role of the spaces that host these communities.

The new social club: Why book clubs are becoming the places to be

Shopping malls, for instance, are increasingly looking beyond their traditional function as places to transact. As consumers have more ways to shop from home, physical destinations have to give people reasons to visit, stay and connect.

That is where cultural and community experiences become important.

At Galleria Shopping Mall, a recent Chapter & Chill session, held in partnership with Passports and Pages, brought readers together for an afternoon centred on literature, conversation and connection. The gathering demonstrated how a retail environment can become a meeting point for communities built around shared interests.

For Galleria, experiences such as these are part of a broader approach to creating a destination where people can do more than shop. They can discover new interests, meet people, participate in cultural experiences and spend meaningful time together.

This is increasingly important as the role of physical spaces evolves. The question is no longer simply, What can people buy here? It is also, What can people experience here, and who can they meet?

The evolution of the book club tells us something bigger about how we socialise. People still want community. They still want conversation. They still want places where they can meet others and feel part of something.

Perhaps what is changing is where and how we find it.

The modern book club may not look like the book club of the past. It can be a gathering of different generations, a networking opportunity, a cultural experience or simply a few hours away from a screen.

The book is still at the centre.

But increasingly, the people around it are becoming the real story.

Faith Adhiambo is the Marketing Manager at Galleria Shopping Mall.

 

TVET and STEM skills give young Kenyan women a path to work and self-reliance

Peninnnah M
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TVET and STEM skills give young Kenyan women a path to work and self-reliance

The labour market in Kenya is now placing more emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience, since an increasing number of young people are looking for education routes that will lead directly to employment or self-employment.

The change is becoming more and more apparent in the field of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), since learners are able to gain specific skills without having to enter into long academic programmes.

Instead of spending several years obtaining a qualification before joining the labour market, modular training enables learners to concentrate on the particular skills that they need. For instance, someone who is interested in vehicle maintenance can gain specific abilities such as wheel balancing, oil changes or filter replacement without having to complete the full automotive course.

The method is also attracting the interest of students who are looking at alternatives to traditional university degrees, especially since digital platforms and remote work are still providing opportunities for those with special skills.

People in the industry say that qualifications are still important, yet employers nowadays want to find out if the candidates are able to carry out the tasks which they claim to have been trained for.

This is especially relevant in jobs related to the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, since practical assessments can play a significant role in the recruitment process.

The greater focus being placed on skills is at the same time creating new opportunities for women, since they have usually been poorly represented in a number of technical jobs.

Because of cultural expectations, economic problems and other obstacles girls and young women are unable to go beyond their basic education and to get technical training; this causes a large number of them to end up in jobs that require low skills and to have few opportunities for moving up in their careers.

The project, which lasted six months, aimed at overcoming some of these obstacles by providing vulnerable young women with technical training and work experience.

The project, which was carried out by the CAP Youth Empowerment Institute (CAP YEI) in cooperation with the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) and financed by Global Affairs Canada, provided training for 1,363 girls in its first three groups.

The trainees were selected from vocational training centres in various parts of the country, such as Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega and Nyeri, and a subsequent impact evaluation covered 1,154 of them.

The programme included both technical education and training in the skills needed for everyday life and work. The participants stayed for four months receiving classroom and hands-on training before entering a two-month internship in an industry setting.

There were four options for training: plumbing and pipe fitting, electrical installation and wiring, solar photovoltaic systems, and food and beverage production and service.

The training included more than just technical instruction; it provided mentorship and coaching, taught the participants how to prepare their CVs and deal with job interviews, and gave them life skills designed to boost their confidence and prepare them for the workplace.

The programme also included education on sexual and reproductive health, taking into account the wider difficulties that some of the young women who were the target of the initiative were facing.

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The internship section allowed the participants to put their skills into practice in real work settings, with some being assigned to construction sites, such as those involved in affordable housing, and others gaining experience in the hospitality and other related sectors.

For certain participants, the experience gained at the workplace led to them securing employment, while for others the skills and networks obtained as a result of the programme were put to use in pursuing freelance work or setting up their own activities designed to generate income.

Denis Mushiri, who is the Director of the CAP Youth Empowerment Institute, stated that the project showed the value of bringing together the government, private-sector employers and communities when implementing skills-development programmes.

He also mentioned that carrying out vocational training through centres administered by the county governments would be a way of making sure that useful practices continue after the externally funded project has ended.

Phyllis Machio, who is a lecturer at the University of Nairobi and also a researcher with the Partnership for Economic Policy, stated that it is still a important policy aim to increase women’s involvement in STEM since technical skills can lead to better employment opportunities.

She observed that a great many women are still concentrated in low-skilled jobs and therefore considered it especially important to introduce interventions which give them technical skills.

Machio also emphasized the need to deal with the stereotypes which depict technical jobs as being unsuitable for women.

She said that by removing cultural and social barriers young women will have more freedom to choose careers in the STEM fields on the basis of their own interests and abilities.

The STEM Education for Empowerment Project also shows that modular and practical training has potential as Kenya considers how it can prepare young people for the changing labour market.

For employers, the capacity to show that one is competent is just as important as having a certificate proving that one has received training. For learners, shorter and more flexible courses offer a means of gaining their skills step by step and allowing them to enter the job market earlier.

The people in charge of the project hope that the model will be able to secure additional funding and offer lessons which can be more widely adopted by government and vocational training institutions.

At the heart of the approach is a simple proposition, education should not only provide qualifications, but also equip people with skills they can use to earn a living, create businesses and participate meaningfully in the changing economy

 

Kericho farmer wins KSh26.9 million SportPesa Jackpot with his own football picks

Bizna Team
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Kericho farmer wins KSh26.9 million SportPesa Jackpot with his own football picks

Kericho farmer Richard Kimutai Ngetich has become SportPesa’s latest Midweek Jackpot winner after correctly predicting all 13 matches and walking away with KSh 26,987,606. His winning card came from the entry he personally analysed, after placing four entries that included three quick pick selections and one self-picked card. His story shows how fixture analysis can make jackpot participation more engaging, while the final outcome remains uncertain.

Ngetich placed four entries, including three quick pick selections and one based on his own analysis. The winning entry came from the selection he had personally studied, with the SportPesa Midweek Jackpot becoming the centre of his remarkable result. His experience adds a human element to the Midweek Jackpot and highlights the appeal of assessing fixtures before selecting outcomes. Following his win, the jackpot reset and climbed again.

A winning story captures attention

Ngetich’s KSh 26,987,606 success stands out because every selection had to match the final outcome. His winning entry covered all 13 fixtures, while his other entries did not produce the same result. For football enthusiasts, quick pick can make following selected fixtures more engaging. The format brings fixtures together and keeps fans following results.

The Jackpot winner combined quick pick entries with personal analysis, adding a human element to the story. He explored ways of completing his entries before one delivered the jackpot result. This makes football jackpot predictions appealing for fans who enjoy studying fixtures and possible outcomes. His experience shows how every match can add interest to a football card.

“Richard’s story stands out because it brings together football interest, patience and a clear personal plan. His KSh 26.9 million win is a major moment for him and his family, and we are proud to celebrate it with him” said SportPesa Kenya Head of PR, Willis Ojwang.

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Understanding the 13-game format

The Midweek Jackpot features 13 pre-selected football matches, with players choosing the full-time result expected for each fixture. Every game uses the home, draw, or away format, allowing fans to build a complete entry. With the Mega Jackpot Pro13 covering the fixtures, players can follow several matches while focusing on outcomes. Teams and competitions can change, keeping each card distinct.

SportPesa provides a quick pick for players who prefer the system to generate the 13 selections. Those making their own choices can review fixtures and select preferred outcomes before submitting. The SportPesa Jackpot format offers flexibility between personal selection and a randomly generated card. Entry channels include the website, app and SMS.

The jackpot resets after the big win

A reset followed Ngetich’s victory, and the current Midweek Jackpot has climbed to KSh11,306,087 today. The latest SportPesa information says the card contains 13 games, with bonus categories for 10, 11, or 12 correct predictions. This creates another opportunity for fans who enjoy following fixtures and making selections, with the upcoming prize pool giving the new round additional interest. The prize can build again after a major win.

The September 18 round is a Friday-only card, with matches beginning in the evening and the final fixture later at night. Fans can review current games, consider selections, and submit entries before the closing time. SportPesa Kenya shows the fixture list, prize, and deadline. This keeps each round connected to football.

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A football experience built around predictions

The Midweek Jackpot appeals through its straightforward structure and variety of fixtures on one card. Fans can examine recent performances and home and away records before choosing outcomes. The format gives followers a way to stay engaged with several fixtures and selections. Each round creates fresh interest as different teams enter the schedule.

Ngetich’s story gives that format a memorable real-life example, while the current jackpot provides a new chapter after his win. His KSh 26,987,606 result shows the scale of the main prize after 13 correct selections. SportPesa combines the card with quick pick and bonus categories, giving players ways to play. Players should review the rules and play responsibly.

Conclusion

Richard Ngetich’s remarkable win is a standout SportPesa jackpot story, following his successful prediction of all 13 matches. His KSh 26,987,606 prize came from the entry he personally analysed, adding an interesting detail to the story. With the jackpot now reset and building again, the Midweek Jackpot continues to bring fresh fixtures to fans. The changing card keeps each round distinctive.

For fans interested in the latest round, SportPesa provides fixtures, entry channels, prize information, and rules. The current jackpot stands at KSh 11,306,087 following Ngetich’ssuccess. Players can make their own selections or use Quick Pick while checking details. Each new Midweek Jackpot brings another chance to follow the football action.

CBK flags seven banks over Sh3bn capital requirement breach

Jane Muia
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CBK flags seven banks over Sh3bn capital requirement breach

Seven commercial banks failed to meet Kenya’s minimum core capital requirement of Sh3 billion in 2025, exposing them to breaches of banking regulations, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has reported.

The breaches are contained in the CBK’s Bank Supervision Annual Report 2025, which details cases of regulatory non-compliance recorded in the banking sector as at December 31, 2025.

According to the regulator, the seven institutions contravened Section 7(1) of the Banking Act by failing to maintain the statutory minimum core capital.

“Seven commercial banks were in violation of Section 7(1) of the Banking Act due to failure to maintain the minimum core capital required of Ksh.3 billion,” CBK said in the report.

The capital shortfalls were among several regulatory breaches recorded during the year, including violations involving capital adequacy, lending limits, liquidity, foreign exchange exposure and corporate governance.

Five commercial banks fell below the required 14.5 per cent total capital to total risk-weighted assets ratio, while four failed to meet the 10.5 per cent core capital to total risk-weighted assets ratio.

Three banks also failed to maintain the required eight per cent core capital to total deposits ratio, highlighting continued pressure on capital and balance-sheet requirements among some institutions.

The CBK further reported breaches of lending restrictions designed to limit banks’ exposure to individual borrowers and insiders.

Ten commercial banks exceeded the single obligor limit, which caps lending to one borrower at 25 per cent of a bank’s core capital.

Two banks breached the 20 per cent limit applicable to a single insider borrower, while another exceeded the 100 per cent ceiling on total insider borrowing.

The regulator also identified violations involving banks’ investments in property. Two institutions invested more than 20 per cent of their core capital in land and buildings, contrary to prudential requirements.

Three other banks exceeded the limit on aggregate credit facilities extended to large exposures, which should not surpass five times an institution’s core capital.

Foreign exchange risk management also emerged as an area of concern, with two banks breaching the regulatory limit on foreign exchange exposure. Under CBK prudential guidelines, such exposure should not exceed 10 per cent of a bank’s core capital.

In addition, one commercial bank failed to maintain the statutory minimum liquidity ratio of 20 per cent.

The CBK report also highlights significant compliance gaps in the Risk-Based Credit Pricing Model (RBCPM), which was introduced in 2019 to guide how banks price credit based on the risks associated with individual borrowers.

The regulator conducted targeted inspections across all commercial banks in 2025 to assess compliance with the model.

The inspections resulted in penalties against 33 banks, while administrative action was taken against two others, according to the CBK.

Only three commercial banks were found to have fully complied with the RBCPM requirements.

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KCB leads banking market as StanChart drops out of top tier

Jane Muia
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KCB leads banking market as StanChart drops out of top tier

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) emerged as the country’s largest bank by market share in 2025, ahead of Equity Bank and Co-operative Bank of Kenya, according to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

The ranking, contained in the CBK Bank Supervision Annual Report 2025, places KCB at the top with a composite market-share index of 17.3 per cent. The index is calculated using the size of a bank’s net assets, deposits, shareholders’ funds, deposit accounts and loan accounts.

KCB accounted for 17.9 per cent of the sector’s net assets, equivalent to Sh1.498 trillion, while its deposits of Sh1.152 trillion represented 18 per cent of the industry total. The bank also held 16 per cent of shareholders’ funds, 15.3 per cent of deposit accounts and 8.5 per cent of loan accounts.

Equity Bank ranked second with a composite index of 11.8 per cent. It controlled Sh1.041 trillion in net assets and Sh849.2 billion in deposits, representing 12.5 per cent and 13.3 per cent of the sector totals, respectively.

The lender accounted for 9.7 per cent of shareholders’ funds and had the largest proportion of deposit accounts among the leading banks, at 17.2 per cent. Its share of loan accounts stood at six per cent.

Co-operative Bank occupied the third position with a market-share index of 9.4 per cent. The bank had Sh759.4 billion in net assets and Sh539.4 billion in deposits, translating to 9.1 per cent and 8.4 per cent of the sector respectively.

Its share of shareholders’ funds stood at 10.7 per cent, while it accounted for 11.7 per cent of deposit accounts and 11.1 per cent of loan accounts.

NCBA Bank followed in fourth place with a 7.9 per cent index, while Absa Bank Kenya ranked fifth at 6.4 per cent.

Stanbic Bank Kenya recorded a 5.8 per cent market-share index. I&M Bank and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) each posted 5.6 per cent, placing them seventh and eighth respectively.

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya ranked ninth with 4.5 per cent, followed by Prime Bank at 4.3 per cent.

Eight banks classified as large

The CBK assessed 39 commercial banks using a weighted composite measure covering five indicators: net assets, deposits, capital and reserves, deposit accounts and loan accounts.

Banks with a composite market-share index of at least five per cent were classified as large institutions. Those with an index of between one and five per cent fell into the medium category, while banks below one per cent were placed in the small peer group.

At the close of 2025, eight banks met the threshold for the large-bank category. Collectively, they accounted for 69.7 per cent of the banking sector, down from 75.6 per cent a year earlier.

The large banks held combined net assets of Sh5.892 trillion, deposits of Sh4.531 trillion and capital and reserves of Sh942 billion. Their combined profit before tax stood at Sh241 billion during the year.

The reduction in the large banks’ combined market share was mainly linked to the reclassification of Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, which moved into the medium-bank category during the year.

The medium-bank segment consequently expanded its share of the sector to 23.2 per cent in December 2025, from 16.7 per cent in December 2024.

The number of institutions in the medium category also rose from nine to 11, following the entry of Standard Chartered from the large group and Sidian Bank from the small-bank segment.

Banking sector assets cross Sh8 trillion

Across the 39 commercial banks, the sector’s total net assets rose to Sh8.35 trillion by December 2025.

Customer deposits stood at Sh6.385 trillion, while capital and reserves across the industry amounted to Sh1.404 trillion. The banking industry generated a combined profit before tax of Sh306 billion during the year.

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Beyond the stage: Why concert security matters

Bizna Team
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Beyond the stage: Why concert security matters

Why concert security matters: When Celebration Turns Into Tragedy

On December 20, 2025, thousands of music fans gathered at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium for what was expected to be a night of music and celebration featuring Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake and Gabzy. A crowd surge at the entrance tragically resulted in the death of one person, with several others injured. Reports from the night pointed to delays at the gates and heavy rain, with large crowds waiting on slippery ground to enter the stadium, leading to growing confusion and anxiety. This is not an isolated incident. Around the world, people have lost their lives at concerts and festivals, mostly as a result of poor crowd control and sudden surges.

Bigger Events, Greater Security Risks

The stakes are rising. Kenya’s entertainment scene is booming, drawing ever larger audiences to concerts and festivals while driving growth across the creative economy, tourism and hospitality. More events and bigger crowds mean the margin for error is narrowing, not widening.

While concert attendees are looking forward to a great time and unforgettable memories, there’s one factor that will determine whether the event is remembered for the right reasons. It’s not the sound, the organisation of the event or even the quality of the artists-it is security. Security should not only be part of the conversation when something goes wrong. It should be part of the concert experience.

Security Begins Before the Event

The question every event organiser should ask themselves is whether they are doing enough to keep people safe at these concerts. It is important to understand that large crowds are not inherently dangerous; they simply require professional management, and not merely management by people who look like they can handle a crowd.

Security at a concert begins long before the first artist walks on stage and long before the first ticket is sold. When thousands of people gather in one place, effective security cannot be reduced to checking tickets, preventing theft, or responding when something goes wrong. A comprehensive security and crowd-management plan should be in place before tickets go on sale.

That means understanding how people will arrive, move and leave; identifying potential pressure points and bottlenecks; anticipating how weather will change conditions underfoot; ensuring entrances, exits and emergency routes can safely handle the expected numbers; establishing clear communication channels; and deploying trained personnel who can recognise something you bolt onto an event. It is part of how the event works.

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Crowd Control Is About Enabling, Not Restricting

There is a common misconception that crowd control means security officers standing around telling people what they cannot do. Effective crowd control is about making it easy for people to do what they came to do, have a good time and get home safely, and that requires careful planning.

Professional Security Goes Beyond Manpower

Professional security is not simply about manpower. It requires risk assessment, an understanding of crowd psychology, communication, coordination, and preparedness. Security teams must understand the environment they are working in and anticipate how people will respond to delays or sudden changes. The security team must also have clear communication channels with event organisers, emergency medical teams, and the authorities should a situation escalate.

Technology Can Strengthen Crowd Management

In today’s world, technology must be leveraged to help with crowd management. Security teams can use CCTV for real-time monitoring, allowing them to identify developing problems and respond quickly. Integrated communication systems ensure that organisers, emergency responders, and security personnel remain connected throughout the event. But even with the latest technology, people remain at the heart of effective security.

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Trained Personnel Can Prevent Escalation

A well-trained security officer will often be the first person to recognise signs of distress. In most cases, major incidents stem from small issues that can be defused early. This is where security personnel come in. They provide direction, recognise when an attendee needs assistance, de-escalate tense situations and help to create an environment where people feel both welcomed and protected.

Security Is an Investment, Not a Cost

Safety should never be viewed as an operational expense that can be trimmed to save costs. Security should instead be treated as an investment in people. One poorly managed event where people feel unsafe can discourage audiences from attending future events. A safe and well-managed event, on the other hand, can encourage concert lovers to keep coming back and even attract sponsors.

Everyone Has a Role to Play

Even as event organisers work towards providing the best security, every party at the venue has a role to play. Security providers must continuously invest in training, technology, and event management capabilities. Venues must have infrastructure that supports large crowds and safe movement, and attendees must follow guidance from security personnel and remain aware of their surroundings.

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The Measure of a Successful Concert

In December, thousands of people went to Nyayo Stadium expecting a night of music. One of them did not go home. Every conversation about crowd management in this country should begin there.

If security has done its job well, no one will talk about security at all. They will talk about the music, the lights and the crowd singing every word back. That is the point: good security is invisible, and what it buys is a night people remember for the right reasons. For every organiser, venue and attendee, the true measure of a successful concert is not the good time that was had- it is that everyone who came for it got home safely.

About the author

Beyond the stage: Why concert security matters
Peter Kinyanjui – Governance, Risk and Assurance Manager, SGA Security Kenya

Peter Kinyanjui is the Governance, Risk and Assurance Manager at SGA Security Kenya

Kenya’s mobile subscriptions hit 88 Million as digital economy expands

Bizna Team
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Kenya’s mobile subscriptions hit 88 Million as digital economy expands

Kenya’s telecommunications sector continued to expand in the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, with mobile subscriptions, mobile money, smartphones and internet connectivity recording growth, according to the latest Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) sector statistics.

The CA report for the April-June 2026 quarter shows that active mobile subscriptions reached 88 million by June 30, 2026, representing a 4.6 per cent increase from the previous year. Mobile penetration stood at 165 per cent.

The growth comes as Kenyan consumers and businesses increasingly rely on mobile and internet-based platforms for communication, payments, commerce and access to services.

Mobile money subscriptions reach 54 million

Mobile money continued to be a major driver of Kenya’s digital economy.

The number of mobile money subscriptions increased by 13.2 per cent during the year to reach 54 million by June 2026. The figure translated to a penetration rate of 101.3 per cent.

However, the number of registered mobile money agents declined during the quarter. The agent network fell by 5.6 per cent from 602,470 to 568,463.

The figures point to continued demand for mobile financial services even as the way customers access those services evolves.

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Smartphone numbers continue to rise

Smartphone adoption also increased during the period.

The CA reported that smartphones connected to Kenyan mobile networks reached about 52.3 million by June 2026, an increase of 4.2 per cent during the quarter. The growth was supported by the continued expansion of 4G and 5G networks.

Overall, mobile devices connected to networks stood at 79.7 million, representing a penetration rate of 149.4 per cent.

The continued shift towards smartphones is significant for businesses as more consumers access products, services, entertainment and financial services through mobile applications and internet platforms.

Mobile data subscriptions rise to 64.3 million

Mobile data subscriptions reached 64.3 million by the end of June 2026, representing 9.7 per cent growth from the 58.6 million recorded in June 2025.

Mobile broadband subscriptions accounted for 85.5 per cent of total mobile data subscriptions, with 4G remaining the most widely adopted broadband technology.

The continued growth in mobile data is accelerating the shift towards digital communication and content consumption.

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Fixed internet records 32.4 per cent annual growth

Fixed internet connectivity also recorded substantial growth during the year.

Fixed internet subscriptions increased by 32.4 per cent year-on-year to 2.84 million by June 2026. Fibre optic connections reached 1.57 million, while terrestrial wireless subscriptions stood at 1.03 million.

Satellite internet subscriptions increased by 54.4 per cent during the year, although they remained a relatively small segment of the fixed internet market.

The growth in fixed connectivity contrasts with the continued decline of traditional copper-based DSL services.

Mobile services generate Sh440.9 billion

Kenya’s mobile services market generated Sh440.9 billion in revenue in 2025, representing a 3.6 per cent increase.

Other services, including mobile money, roaming, bulk SMS and airtime by credit, accounted for 42.8 per cent of mobile service revenue.

The figures underline the growing importance of mobile platforms beyond traditional voice and messaging services.

Mobile money accounts increase by two million in Q3, pushing subscriptions to 53.4 million

Traditional fixed voice services decline

While internet connectivity expanded, traditional fixed voice services continued to lose ground.

Domestic fixed voice traffic fell by 27.1 per cent during the fourth quarter to about 1.01 million minutes. For the full financial year, domestic fixed voice traffic declined by 89.4 per cent to 4.55 million minutes, down from 42.95 million minutes in 2024/25.

The CA attributed the broader decline to the migration of consumers and businesses from fixed networks to mobile and internet-based communication platforms.

Cyber threats remain a concern

The expansion of digital services is also accompanied by growing cybersecurity risks.

The CA detected 2.36 billion cyber threats during the April-June quarter. Although this represented a 30 per cent decline from the previous quarter, total detected threats for the 2025/26 financial year increased by 29 per cent to 11.12 billion.

System vulnerabilities accounted for the largest number of detected threats during the year.

The Authority also issued 83.1 million cybersecurity advisories during the financial year, representing a 60.8 per cent increase from the previous year.

Full list of new mobile loan apps licensed by CBK as total number hits 227

Courier market grows as e-commerce expands

Kenya’s courier market also recorded growth, with total revenue increasing by 6.7 per cent from Sh6.28 billion in 2024 to Sh6.70 billion in 2025.

National courier revenue increased by 67.5 per cent to Sh2.01 billion, while international courier revenue declined by 7.7 per cent to Sh4.69 billion.

The CA also reported a sharp quarterly increase in domestic parcels handled by the Postal Corporation of Kenya, partly linked to e-commerce and express mail services.

Kenya’s digital economy enters a new phase

The latest sector statistics point to a continued transformation of Kenya’s communications landscape.

Mobile phones, smartphones, mobile money and broadband are becoming increasingly central to how Kenyans communicate, transact and access services, while traditional fixed voice and some legacy technologies continue to decline.

For businesses, the shift creates opportunities in e-commerce, fintech, digital advertising, cloud services, online content, logistics and other technology-enabled sectors.

At the same time, the rising cybersecurity threat landscape highlights the need for businesses and institutions to strengthen digital security as they expand their online operations.

The CA said continued growth in mobile, mobile money, mobile broadband, smartphones and fixed internet is supporting Kenya’s information society, while the shift towards internet-based communication and digital content is expected to sustain demand for broadband connectivity and bandwidth.

For Kenya’s entrepreneurs, the numbers point to a market where digital access is no longer simply an infrastructure question. Increasingly, the opportunity lies in how effectively businesses convert that connectivity into products, services, jobs and economic value.

KICD advertises 17 permanent and pensionable jobs

Jane Muia
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KICD advertises 17 permanent and pensionable jobs

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has announced 17 vacancies as it seeks to strengthen its workforce in curriculum development, research, educational broadcasting and institutional support.

In an advertisement on Tuesday, September 22, the state agency said successful candidates would be appointed on permanent and pensionable terms.

The recruitment drive covers senior management, professional and technical positions.

Among the senior positions on offer are Senior Deputy Director, Corporate Services; Senior Deputy Director, Research, Quality Assurance and Consultancy; Deputy Director, Human Resource Management and Development; Assistant Director, Printing and Publishing; Assistant Director, Quality Assurance; Assistant Director, Supply Chain Management; and Assistant Director, Technical Services, which has been re-advertised.

KICD is also recruiting for several Grade 5 positions. These include Principal Security Officer, Principal Human Resource Management and Development Officer, Principal Producer (TV), Principal Planning Officer and Principal Officer Administrator.

Other vacancies are Curriculum Development Officer II – Marine and Fisheries Technology and Curriculum Development Officer – Media Technology, both of which have been re-advertised.

The institute is further seeking an Assistant Studio Technical Operator III, Assistant Printing and Publishing Technician III and Office Administrator II, with the latter position also re-advertised.

Application process

Applicants have been directed to submit applications through KICD’s employment application form available online.

Applications should be addressed to the Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, P.O. Box 30231–00100, Nairobi, and submitted through the institute’s designated online recruitment platform.

Candidates are required to provide a cover letter, an updated curriculum vitae, copies of academic and professional certificates and relevant testimonials.

Applications should also include National Identification Card details, a current telephone number and the contact information of two referees, including their names, telephone numbers and addresses.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 9, 2026. KICD warned that any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

Also Read: PSC advertises over 800 job vacancies across Ministries

Tea farmers reap gains as industry earnings hit Sh187 billion

Jane Muia
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0
Tea farmers reap gains as industry earnings hit Sh187 billion

Kenya’s tea sector recorded a marked improvement in export earnings in 2025, with the value of tea exports rising to Sh186.9 billion as government reforms continued to reshape the industry.

Data from the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) shows that earnings have climbed steadily over the past four years, rising from Sh136.5 billion in 2021 to Sh181.6 billion in 2024 before reaching the latest high.

Tea production has also remained substantial, although output fell from the 2024 level. The country produced 537 million kilogrammes of tea in 2021, increasing to 598 million kilogrammes in 2024 and 550 million kilogrammes in 2025.

TBK chief executive Willy Mutai said the measures introduced over the past four years were beginning to translate into improved returns for growers, particularly through higher payments for green leaf.

The average green leaf payment rose from Sh35 per kilogramme in 2021 to Sh64 in 2024, before settling at Sh56 per kilogramme in 2025.

“Total tea production increased from 537 million kilogrammes in 2021 to 598 and 550 million in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Export earnings increased from Sh136.5 billion in 2021 to Sh181.6 and Sh186.9 billion in 2024 and 2025 respectively,” he said.

The government has set a target of raising farmers’ earnings to at least Sh100 per kilogramme by next year. The strategy includes improving tea quality, cutting production expenses, expanding value addition and creating more competitive avenues for selling tea, alongside strengthening the voice of farmers in the sector.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the reforms were aimed at creating a tea industry capable of delivering stronger and more reliable incomes to growers while maintaining Kenya’s competitiveness in the international market.

“Tea is the backbone of many rural economies in Kenya. Hundreds of thousands of households depend directly or indirectly on tea for their livelihoods.

“When tea prices are stable and remunerative, families can educate their children, access healthcare, invest in their farms and contribute to local economic development,” he added.

Kagwe said broadening Kenya’s export destinations was also central to the government’s strategy, with efforts underway to tap emerging and rapidly expanding markets.

“Kenya’s tea has long enjoyed strong demand in traditional markets, including Pakistan, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Sudan, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and other destinations.

“We value these markets and will continue to strengthen our commercial relationships with them. However, we must also expand our presence in new and high-growth markets,” he further said.

Investment in factories and value addition

The government has allocated Sh850 million towards upgrading machinery and equipment in 17 smallholder tea factories as part of efforts to improve efficiency and increase the value generated from Kenyan tea.

Kericho received the largest allocation at Sh248.6 million, followed by Nyeri with Sh131.6 million and Bomet with Sh104.8 million. Nandi received Sh79.1 million, Murang’a Sh62.1 million, Nakuru Sh50.2 million, Trans Nzoia Sh44.6 million, Nyamira Sh36.6 million, Tharaka Nithi Sh35 million and Kirinyaga Sh28.7 million.

The reforms have also targeted taxation and packaging costs. Through the Finance Act, 2023, value-added tax was removed from tea purchased from factories for value addition, a move intended to improve the competitiveness of Kenyan tea and encourage domestic consumption.

The Finance Act, 2025, subsequently introduced zero-rating for packaging materials used in tea value addition, further reducing costs for processors.

The government has also provided a Sh100 million grant to the Kenya Tea Packers (Ketepa) to establish a common-user facility aimed at supporting value addition.

On the production side, more than 650,000 smallholder tea farmers have benefited from the government’s fertiliser subsidy programme since 2022, receiving about 290,000 tonnes of subsidised fertiliser.

Also Read: African Women turn to AI to tackle health and farming challenges

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