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

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

Mobile Money: The latest sector statistics released by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year (January–March 2026) demonstrate continued growth in mobile money services and the broader digital financial ecosystem.

Mobile Money Adoption Continues to Accelerate

Mobile money subscriptions increased from 51.4 million in the previous quarter to 53.4 million, representing a quarterly growth rate of 3.9%. This translates to approximately two million additional mobile money accounts within three months which demonstrates the sustained adoption of digital financial services across the country.

Agent Network Expansion Strengthens Financial Access

This growth was accompanied by a significant expansion of agent networks. The number of registered mobile money agents increased from 501,399 to 602,470, a substantial quarterly growth of 20.2% that represents 101,000 new agents added during the quarter.

M-PESA Maintains Market Dominance Through Scale and Innovation

Safaricom remains the market leader in the mobile money market, accounting for 89.1% of mobile money subscriptions. The company’s continued investment in converged digital solutions has been supported by the M-PESA Fintech 2.0 platform upgrade, which has significantly enhanced system capacity.

The upgraded platform is designed to support significantly higher transaction volumes and enables the rollout of new digital financial products and services. This scale is further reflected in Safaricom’s FY26 performance, where the Kenya ecosystem processed approximately 46.41 billion transactions valued at KSh 41.68 trillion. Importantly, the platform continues to be driven by high-frequency, low-value transactions.

During FY26, Safaricom facilitated approximately 17.1 billion Kadogo transactions, accounting for 36.8% of total M-PESA transaction volumes. This demonstrates the extent to which small-value digital transactions support day-to-day liquidity needs for households, informal businesses, and micro-enterprises.

Safaricom’s Ziidi Fund wins global fintech innovation award at MWC 2026

Mobile money accounts Increase by two million in Q3, pushing subscriptions to 53.4 Million
CA Q3 SECTOR STATS (Green: Safaricom, Red: Airtel)

Digital Financial Products Drive the Next Phase of Growth

M-PESA’s continued evolution beyond payments and money transfers is increasingly evident through the expansion of savings, investment, insurance, and wealth management products.

As of 15 June 2026, Ziidi Trader has attracted approximately 688,000 opt-ins and over 103,000 active traders. Ziidi Trader platform has facilitated 533,000 trades involving 171 million shares and a traded value of approximately KSh 1.9 billion.

The most mature product within the ecosystem is Ziidi MMF, which has recorded approximately 7.7 million opt-ins, with 2.42 million active investing subscribers and assets under management (AUM) of approximately KSh 19.8 billion.

This makes it the largest investment product within the M-PESA ecosystem and indicates strong consumer appetite for low-entry digital investment solutions. Insurance products also demonstrate significant market potential. Tuunza has attracted approximately 759,000 opt-ins, with 87,000 customers purchasing cover, covering more than 205,000 livesthrough over 7,100 active policies.

The Shariah-compliant investment offering, Ziidi Shariah, has achieved approximately 836,000 opt-ins, translating into more than 102,000 investing subscribers and assets under management of approximately KSh 154 million.

Products targeting businesses and capital markets participation are also gaining traction. Ziidi Biashara has recorded approximately 25,000 opt-ins, while Ziidi Trader has attracted approximately 688,000 opt-ins and over 103,000 active traders, facilitating approximately 533,000 trades, worth 171 million shares and a traded value of approximately KSh 1.9 billion.

At the lower end of the savings spectrum, Ziidi Pochi has registered approximately 1.46 million opt-ins, with nearly 196,000 active saving users and assets under management of approximately KSh 318 million. This indicates continued demand for informal, accessible digital savings products designed for smaller and more frequent transactions.

These developments suggest that mobile money platforms are increasingly evolving into broader financial ecosystems that support savings, investment, insurance, and participation in capital markets. The continued expansion of these services demonstrates the growing role of mobile money providers in deepening financial inclusion and expanding access to formal financial products across different customer segments.

Prime real estate: DStv stream secures first-ever native app integration on Samsung Smart TVs

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Prime real estate: DStv stream secures first-ever native app integration on Samsung Smart TVs
CANAL+ and Samsung Electronics, the world’s leading Smart TV manufacturer, are extending their strategic collaboration across English and Portuguese-speaking African markets served by MultiChoice Group.
This partnership marks the first ever pre-installation rollout of a MultiChoice Group streaming application, DStv Stream app, on Samsung Smart TVs across these markets. It also supports the continued expansion of MultiChoice Group’s streaming and OTT ecosystem across key African markets.
This new milestone builds on the strategic partnership already deployed between CANAL+ and Samsung across 40 markets in Europe, French-speaking Africa and Asia.
From 1 June 2026, the DStv Stream app will be pre-installed on all new Samsung Smart TVs across 18 African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Angola, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Through this integration, Samsung users will benefit from simplified access to the full breadth of content available on DStv Stream, including the entire FIFA World Cup 2026™, the English Premier League, and domestic and international rugby competitions, alongside a rich offering of local and international entertainment content. The DStv Stream app will be directly accessible from the home screen of new Samsung Smart TVs, providing users with the simplest and most seamless way to access MultiChoice Group’s content and offerings.
This partnership is a strong example of the opportunities created by the combination of CANAL+ and MultiChoice Group, accelerating the distribution of digital services and enhancing accessibility, discoverability and user experience for English- and Portuguese-speaking audiences across Africa.
David Mignot, CEO of CANAL+ Africa and CEO of MultiChoice Group:
“We are delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with Samsung across new English and Portuguese-speaking African countries. It marks a significant milestone in the synergies created by the combination of CANAL+ and MultiChoice Group. As viewing habits continue to evolve rapidly across the continent, strengthening the accessibility and discoverability of our content offer on connected devices is key.
By expanding the availability of our applications on Samsung Smart TVs across key African markets, we are making it even easier for millions of MultiChoice Group’s subscribers to seamlessly access the content that define the uniqueness of CANAL+ and MultiChoice Group experience”.

Equity bank and buffalo bicycles partner to boost mobility and economic empowerment in Kenya

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Equity bank and buffalo bicycles partner to boost mobility and economic empowerment in Kenya

Equity Bank Kenya and Buffalo Bicycles Kenya (BBK) have entered a partnership aimed at making quality bicycles more accessible to Kenyans, a move the two organisations say will improve mobility, support economic empowerment, boost physical fitness, and expand access to essential services.

Speaking during the launch, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda said the initiative aligns with the lender’s mission of empowering individuals and communities through practical solutions that improve livelihoods.

“One of the solutions we are proud to be part of is empowering the owner of the bicycle. As Equity, we are making it as easy as possible for people to acquire these bicycles. When somebody acquires a bicycle, it transforms them economically. Compared to spending money on transport every day, the return on investment is very high,” he said.

“The health outcomes are also much better when riding a bicycle. It promotes physical fitness while providing a reliable and affordable means of transport.”

Nyabanda added that the partnership reflects the growing importance of collaboration in addressing development challenges and creating sustainable impact.

“In today’s world, meaningful impact cannot be achieved in isolation. The first partnership is between Equity and Buffalo Bicycles, but we see opportunities to bring in governments and other partners to broaden the impact even further,” he said.

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As part of the arrangement, Equity Bank will support access to the bicycles through financing solutions and will initially showcase the products in its branches, starting with four in Nairobi. The financing solution is expected to make bicycle ownership more accessible to entrepreneurs, small business owners, institutions, and individuals seeking reliable and affordable transport. By reducing upfront costs, the partnership will enable more Kenyans to invest in mobility that supports livelihoods and everyday activities.

The partnership will see customers access three bicycle models, including the Single Speed bicycle, the Charger model, and the Double Chain model.

BBK East African Regional Director Maureen Kolenyo said the partnership is designed to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing opportunities due to distance and lack of affordable transport.

She said the company shares Equity’s commitment to inclusion and empowerment, particularly for low-income earners and small-scale entrepreneurs.

“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents and how it can transform lives across communities. As a business, one of the things we do is ensure that the small entrepreneur is able to participate in the economy. Just as banking has reached the mama mboga and the person on the street, we believe no one should be denied education, healthcare or economic opportunities because of distance,” said Kolenyo.

According to Kolenyo, the bicycles are designed to withstand demanding conditions and can be used across the country for both personal and commercial purposes.

As part of the deal, BBK has committed to donating 100 bicycles to the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) for every 1,000 bicycles purchased and financed through Equity.

The initiative is expected to support sustainable mobility financing that reduces transport costs by up to KES 15,000 monthly through fuel savings, while also promoting healthier lifestyles. Cycling, the partners noted, is a low-cost, accessible form of exercise that supports both physical fitness and mental wellbeing, helping reduce stress and improve overall productivity.

Absa Bank Kenya partners with Google Hustle Academy to train 3,000 SMEs

Jane Muia
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Absa Bank Kenya partners with Google Hustle Academy to train 3,000 SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya are set to benefit from enhanced business training and financial support following a strategic partnership between Absa Bank Kenya PLC and Google Hustle Academy.

The 12-month programme aims to support 3,000 SMEs by equipping entrepreneurs with digital skills, financial knowledge, business growth strategies and the tools needed to formalise and sustainably expand their enterprises.

So far, the initiative has delivered three training cohorts, attracting more than 600 SMEs.

The partnership combines Google’s expertise in digital innovation with Absa’s financial services capabilities to help entrepreneurs navigate an increasingly digital business environment.

Google Hustle Academy is a free, one-day virtual boot camp designed to help small businesses thrive in the digital economy.

The programme focuses on training entrepreneurs in the latest artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools and techniques, creating a pathway for long-term business growth while connecting participants to Google’s suite of products and services.

Participants undergo a structured curriculum covering AI adoption and digital skills development, enabling them to improve efficiency, strengthen operations and scale their businesses.

The programme also incorporates practical workshops, mentorship sessions and peer-learning opportunities to ensure entrepreneurs gain actionable insights that can be applied directly to their enterprises.

Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Renato D’Souza said the collaboration reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with the resources needed to succeed.

“We are thrilled to partner with Google to bring the Hustle Academy to more Kenyan entrepreneurs. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to empowering businesses with the tools they need to succeed. By combining Google’s digital expertise with our financial solutions, we are confident that we can help SMEs formalise and grow their businesses,” he said.

Under the partnership, Absa will provide participants with financial expertise, mentorship and access to tailored SME banking solutions, including credit facilities, cash flow management tools and market linkages.

The initiative forms part of Absa’s broader strategy to support the SME sector, which contributes more than 30 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product and remains a key source of employment and economic growth.

The collaboration also supports Google’s goal of making digital skills and technology more accessible to entrepreneurs, enabling small businesses to leverage innovation to expand their operations and reach new markets.

Google Hustle Academy representative Kristy Grant said the programme is designed to strengthen Africa’s digital economy by empowering entrepreneurs with future-focused skills.

“We believe that the future of Africa’s digital economy lies in the hands of individuals and entrepreneurs alike. Our new strategy focuses on scaling reach by training individuals in the latest AI-centered tools and techniques. By doing so, we are creating a long-term pathway for growth that connects learners directly to world-class Google products.”

Also Read: Safaricom inches closer to 60M subscribers in Kenyan market

10 things you should do with your money before age 40

Jane Muia
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10 things you should do with your money before age 40

As people approach their 40s, financial decisions made in earlier years begin to reveal their long-term impact.

While the decade often comes with increased responsibilities such as raising children, supporting aging parents, paying mortgages, and preparing for retirement, it also presents an opportunity to strengthen financial security and build lasting wealth.

According to Benjamin Cheruiyot, a Financial Advisor at Abojani Investment, strategic financial planning before reaching one’s 40s can significantly improve financial stability and reduce future economic stress.

  1. Invest for the long term

One of the most important financial decisions before turning 40 is committing to long-term investments.

With years of earning potential still ahead, individuals can take advantage of compounding returns by investing in instruments that align with their financial goals.

Long-term investments provide an opportunity to steadily build wealth and prepare for future financial needs.

  1. Clear outstanding debts

Entering one’s 40s burdened by high-interest debt can limit financial growth and flexibility. Cheruiyot advises individuals to prioritize clearing bad debts, particularly consumer loans and credit obligations that attract high interest rates.

Becoming debt-free not only reduces financial pressure but also improves creditworthiness and access to future financing.

  1. Obtain adequate insurance cover

Insurance coverage is another critical pillar of financial preparedness. Cheruiyot emphasizes that obtaining adequate insurance protection early provides a safety net against unexpected events that could otherwise derail financial plans.

Whether it is health, life, property, or income protection insurance, having appropriate coverage helps safeguard both assets and loved ones while fostering a greater appreciation of long-term risk management.

  1. Build an emergency fund

Financial resilience also depends on the ability to handle emergencies without disrupting daily life or investment plans. Building a dedicated emergency fund allows individuals to respond to unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, job loss, or urgent repairs without resorting to borrowing. Experts generally recommend maintaining easily accessible savings that can cover several months of essential expenses.

  1. Automate financial payments

As financial obligations increase with age, automation can play a valuable role in maintaining discipline.

Setting up automatic payments for bills, loans, savings contributions, and investments helps prevent missed deadlines, avoid penalties, and encourage consistent financial habits.

Automation also simplifies money management by reducing the likelihood of forgetting important financial commitments.

  1. Invest in personal development

Beyond traditional financial investments, investing in personal development remains one of the most rewarding commitments individuals can make.

Continuous learning through professional training, educational courses, skill development, and health improvement initiatives can enhance earning potential and overall quality of life.

In a rapidly changing economy, staying relevant and adaptable often translates into stronger financial prospects.

  1. Embrace financial independence

Cheruiyot also highlights the importance of embracing self-reliance. Establishing personal financial independence through home ownership, entrepreneurship, or other forms of asset creation can strengthen financial management skills and foster long-term stability.

Building one’s own financial foundation reduces dependence on external support and creates greater control over future outcomes.

  1. Avoid impulse spending

Another crucial aspect of financial success is managing spending habits. Impulse purchases may appear insignificant in the short term, but over time they can erode savings and hinder investment growth.

Practicing intentional spending enables individuals to prioritize meaningful financial goals while preserving resources for wealth creation.

  1. Diversify investments

Diversification is equally essential in protecting and growing wealth. Concentrating all financial assets in a single investment exposes individuals to significant risk should that investment underperform.

Spreading investments across different asset classes, sectors, and opportunities can help cushion against market volatility while improving the potential for sustainable returns.

  1. Maintain liquid assets

Finally, maintaining a portion of assets in liquid form ensures financial flexibility. Liquid assets can be converted into cash quickly when emergencies arise, allowing individuals to meet urgent needs without being forced to sell long-term investments at unfavorable prices.

Also Read: Expert guide: smart money moves to make after landing your first job

Expert guide: smart money moves to make after landing your first job

Jane Muia
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Expert guide: smart money moves to make after landing your first job

Landing a first job is often a major milestone for many young people. After years of schooling and job hunting, the first salary brings excitement, independence, and a sense of achievement.

However, financial experts caution that the decisions made during the first years of employment can have a lasting impact on an individual’s financial future.

According to Benjamin Cheruiyot, a financial advisor at Abojani Investment, newly employed individuals should focus on building a strong personal and financial foundation before pursuing ambitious investment opportunities.

  1. Establish the Basics

For a 25-year-old entering the workforce, Cheruiyot says the first priority should be securing the basic necessities that support a stable and productive lifestyle.

These include obtaining suitable housing, furnishing the living space, acquiring essential kitchenware, purchasing quality electronics and building a wardrobe that meets both professional and casual needs.

  1. Invest in knowledge and skills

Once the basics are in place, the next step should be investing in personal growth. This includes pursuing additional education, professional certifications, short courses and skills development programmes that can enhance career prospects.

Cheruiyot notes that increasing one’s knowledge and skills is among the most rewarding investments a young professional can make because it improves earning potential over time.

In a competitive job market, continuous learning can open doors to promotions, better-paying jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

  1. Improve the Situation of Parents and Siblings

Beyond personal advancement, young earners are also encouraged to consider the wellbeing of their families. Many young professionals become important sources of support for their parents and siblings soon after securing employment.

Cheruiyot advises that one of the most meaningful contributions a young worker can make is helping parents access medical coverage. As people age, healthcare needs tend to increase, making medical insurance an important safeguard against unexpected expenses.

Ensuring that parents are enrolled in a health insurance scheme can help protect family finances from the burden of recurring medical bills. Similarly, supporting younger siblings through school or college can create opportunities for long-term economic advancement within the family.

“Ensure parents are enrolled in NHIF. Medical expenses are recurrent in old age. Support siblings through school or college,” Cheruiyot advises.

  1. Build Social Capital

Cheruiyot emphasizes the need to think beyond short-term responsibilities and focus on building assets and relationships that will create future security.

One often-overlooked asset is social capital. This refers to the network of trusted friends, colleagues, mentors and professional contacts that individuals cultivate over time.

Strong relationships can provide emotional support, career opportunities, business partnerships and assistance during difficult periods.

5.Build Financial Capital

Equally important is the gradual accumulation of financial capital. Rather than spending every salary increase on lifestyle upgrades, young professionals are encouraged to channel part of their income into investments that generate future returns.

These may include savings plans, money market funds, stocks, bonds, real estate or other income-generating assets depending on an individual’s financial goals and risk tolerance.

Building financial capital early allows individuals to benefit from compound growth and creates opportunities for passive income in later years. It also provides a financial cushion against emergencies and economic uncertainties.

Also Read: I got a job in Europe. How do I budget my money to build my family a house?

Breaking down NCBA’s mortgage facilities for land and home ownership

Jane Muia
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Breaking down NCBA’s mortgage facilities for land and home ownership

When it comes to choosing the best investment vehicle to keep your financial future secured, the choices can be overwhelming, with many people stuck between starting a business, investing in shares, or venturing into farming.

While all the choices have their risks and rewards, land investment remains one of the best options given its appreciating value and minimal risks.

The rising population has pushed the demand for land high as people look for places to settle away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The rise in land value has also been helped by the rapid urbanization in Kenya as cities expand and infrastructure projects take shape.

Statistics indicate that land in Nairobi and its metropolitan areas has appreciated by an average of 10-15 percent per year over the last decade, higher than most traditional investment returns.

According to the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Land Report, land in Kenya appreciates at an average of 10 percent per year, with some areas experiencing even higher rates.

Some of the areas that have in recent years experienced a high growth rate in land value are Ngong, Konza Technopolis, Matuu, and Nakuru, due to the ongoing expansions and infrastructure projects.

Land in areas like Matuu, one of the fastest growing towns in Machakos County,  is going for as low as Sh250,000 for a 1/8 acre plot, with the price set to skyrocket in the future when infrastructure completely takes shape.

Besides rising value over the years, land investment is also one of the stress-free investments, as no continuous management is required. The only charges that apply are the annual land rates, which are affordable.

Additionally, with land, you can use your title deed as collateral to secure loans for other ventures.

Interestingly, unlike many investments, such as stocks that require a lot of liquid money, owning a plot is achievable even with irregular income.

According to the Kenya Economic Survey, 83 percent of Kenyan workers are in the informal sector, relying on irregular incomes. This is a clear indication that not everyone can save and buy a plot.

As such, many companies have come up with flexible payment plans to enable Kenyans to own plots even with irregular income.

NCBA is one of the financiers that has earned consumers’ trust, with its affordable and flexible payment plans for Kenyans seeking to invest in land.

The bank is offering financing of up to 70 percent of the plot value for plots in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other major urban and rural areas within major towns.

The repayment period is flexible with tenors ranging from 36 to 60 months. The minimum loan amount is Sh500,000, with facility fees of 1 percent of the loan value for local clients, and 2 percent for diaspora clients.

Whether you are looking to purchase land for investment or construction, partnering with NCBA can be a great move.

NCBA Home Loans

Besides land financing, NCBA is also offering home loans for aspiring homeowners in major urban and rural areas within major towns.

Whether you are looking to construct or purchase a house, NCBA will offer financing tailored to meet all your needs with a flexible repayment period. Some of the available financing options are:

Home Purchase Loan: This mortgage facility offers financing of up to 105 percent of the value of the property.

It targets individuals seeking to acquire, construct, or finance property in major urban and rural areas within major towns. The loan’s terms are friendly, with a repayment period of up to 25 years.

Michael Njeru, a homeowner in Joska in Machakos County, is one of the beneficiaries of this product. Despite not having enough funds to finance the construction of his modern 3-bedroom house, Njeru’s dream became a reality after approaching NCBA with the plan.

“I had a good plan and strategy, and I think that’s how I made it to build the house. I did not have much money then, but I trusted God that everything would be okay. So, in February 2022, I approached NCBA with the plan to build a house, and they offered me Sh3 million funding,” he says.

NCBA Easy Build: This property financing solution gives customers full access to building plans and professional services. NCBA provides you with approved experts to build your house, guaranteeing quality.

These experts comprise Architects, Quantity surveyors, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical engineers, who will supervise the construction process end-to-end. Under this facility, NCBA also has pre-approved house designs to select from.

Equity Release: Would you like to unlock the value of your property with financing against an existing mortgage or on a property as collateral?

This product provides financing of up to 90 percent of the property’s value on single and investment residential units, and up to 80 percent of property value for residential multiple dwellings and investment commercial property.

Borrowers enjoy a repayment period of up to 5 years for loans of Sh100,000 to Sh2 million and up to 25 years for loans above Sh2 million.

Also Read: Why more Kenyans are embracing debit cards for everyday payments

What fatherhood teaches us about security

Bizna Team
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What fatherhood teaches us about security

Fatherhood: When we think about fathers, we often think about the lessons they teach us. This June, as the world celebrates fathers, we are given an opportunity to celebrate the men who have shaped our lives through their guidance, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to their families.

Throughout generations, fathers have taken on the role of teachers, some of them teaching us how to ride a bicycle, overcoming obstacles, or how to navigate life’s challenges. Others teach us through the quiet, everyday decisions they made and roles played to keep loved ones safe.

It is checking that the doors are locked before bed, teaching a child how to cross the road, planning for emergencies, and making sacrifices to provide stability and security for their loved ones. It is in these everyday actions that we begin to understand something deeper: fatherhood and security are closely connected. Both are rooted in a simple but powerful commitment, ensuring others can live, work, and thrive without fear.

Fatherhood and the Foundation of Security

At its core, fatherhood is about responsibility. It is about creating an environment where others feel safe, supported and empowered to thrive. In many ways, these same principles form the foundation of security.

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Why Prevention Matters More Than Reaction

Contrary to popular belief, security is not only about responding when something goes wrong. The most effective security often goes unnoticed. It is found in preparation, vigilance and prevention. It is the ability to identify risks before they become problems and to put measures in place that protect people from harm.

Fathers understand this instinctively.

A father teaches a child to look both ways before crossing the road, not because danger is imminent, but because preparation matters. He ensures emergency contacts are available, encourages responsible behaviour and imparts values that help children make sound decisions long after they have left home. These actions may seem ordinary, yet they reflect a mindset centred on protection and preparedness.

The same approach applies to communities, workplaces and businesses. Safety is not achieved through reaction alone. It is built through consistent actions, careful planning and a commitment to looking ahead.

The Shared Responsibility of Fathers and Security Professionals

Across the world, thousands of men and women work every day to help create safer environments. Among them are security professionals who spend long hours safeguarding homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and public spaces. According to industry estimates, tens of thousands of private security personnel support safety and business continuity across the country, often serving as the first line of response during disruptions.

For these professionals, many of them fathers, the responsibility of protection does not begin or end with their work shifts. They understand what it means to care deeply about the well-being of others because they carry that responsibility both at home and in their profession.

19-year-old born and raised in US, now working at Dandora dumpsite

Like many fathers, security professionals often make sacrifices that are rarely seen. They work nights, weekends and public holidays. They miss family celebrations and important milestones so that others can go about their daily lives with much needed peace of mind.

Their contribution, much like that of many fathers, is often most visible when something goes wrong, yet their greatest achievements are the incidents that never happen because they remained alert, prepared and present.

Technology Supports Protection, People Deliver It

This is where technology plays a supporting role, but never the leading one.

CCTV systems, access control systems, radios, and alarms extend vigilance, but they cannot replace human judgment. A camera does not interpret intent. A radio does not calm panic. A system does not decide between escalation and de-escalation. Behind every tool is a person whose values, training, and discipline determine the outcome.

Fatherhood operates on the same principle. It is not the rules, routines or resources that shape a child most profoundly, but the judgment, character and example of the person behind them. Like security, effective fatherhood relies not only on systems, but on the people who bring them to life.

This is why security, at its best, is ultimately about people.

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Leadership Through Consistency and Trust

Fatherhood also reminds us that true protection extends beyond physical safety. It involves creating environments where people feel respected, supported and valued. Children flourish when they feel secure. Communities prosper when people trust those around them. Businesses grow when employees and customers feel safe.

Ultimately, fatherhood teaches a quieter but equally important lesson, leadership is not about visibility, but consistency. The most effective leaders are rarely the most visible. They show up. They build trust over time. They reduce fear not through words, but through dependable action. This is as true in a home as it is in a security operation.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, it is worth reflecting on these shared values. The importance of preparation. The discipline of responsibility. The power of calm communication and the quiet strength of consistency.

This Father’s Day, take a moment to thank a father, a father figure, or a security professional who helps create stability in our daily lives.

After all, both fatherhood and security share a common purpose: helping others live with confidence, knowing that someone is looking out for their well-being.

What fatherhood teaches us about security
Jules Delahaije, SGA Security Chairman and CEO

Make free transactions with Co-op Bank prepaid card: how to get started

Jane Muia
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Make free transactions with Co-op Bank prepaid card: how to get started

Arguably, most Kenyans, especially in urban areas, use cashless payments to make their day-to-day purchases, thanks to the high mobile penetration and increased financial literacy.

While cash is still the dominant payment method in Kenya, its usage is declining as mobile money rapidly gains popularity and card payments slowly gain traction.

While cashless payments have reduced crimes such as money-related robberies, it has brought in extra charges incurred by users when making transactions via mobile money services.

The good news is that consumers can evade transaction charges by simply transacting via prepaid cards.

For instance, the Co-op Bank prepaid card allows users to load money upfront and pay for travel expenses, online shopping and subscriptions, fuel, and other expenses.

There are no charges for paying with the card, and users can pay for something in Kenya or abroad. The only amount deducted from the card is the cost of the item or service being paid for, and users get sms notifications after every transaction.

The card is safe to carry around, and even if it is stolen, it cannot be used without the user’s secret PIN for amounts above Sh2,000.

In case of lost cards, users are advised to contact the bank immediately on 0703027000. Co-op Bank will block the card to protect the money in the account in question and replace the card.

How to apply for a co-op pre-paid card.

Visit the nearest Co-op Bank branch with a copy of ID and KRA PIN. Those below 18 years can use their parents’/guardians’ ID and KRA PIN.

Once the card is ready, applicants are alerted to collect it from the branch. They are then required to deposit Cash at any Co-op Kwa Jirani Agent or Co-op Bank Branch to load it.

Co-op Bank advises customers to use M-Pesa PayBill 400200. Account P******, where ****** is the card account and P must be in CAPS.

Also Read: How Co-op Bank’s MSME Overdraft facility is helping businesses stay afloat

Safaricom inches closer to 60M subscribers in Kenyan market

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Safaricom inches closer to 60M subscribers in Kenyan market

The latest sector statistics from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for the Third Quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year (January–March 2026) show significant growth in active mobile subscriptions, which reached 84.1 million, representing a 7.4 percent increase from the previous quarter. This growth pushed the mobile penetration rate to 157.7 percent.

During the period under review, Safaricom further strengthened its leadership in the mobile subscriptions market, adding approximately 5.5 million new subscriptions and bringing its total subscriber base to 57.9 million, up from 52.4 million in the previous quarter. The operator is now approaching the significant milestone of 60 million subscribers in the Kenyan market with 68.9% market share.

Airtel is at 23.2 million subscribers and a market share of 27.6%. Equitel (Finserve) recorded a marginal increase in subscriptions to 1.51 million, representing 1.8% of the market, while Jamii Telecommunications (Faiba) stood at 883,944 subscribers, accounting for 1.1%. In contrast, Telkom Kenya experienced a sharp decline, losing 160,464 subscribers during the quarter to close at 584,438 subscribers, equivalent to 0.7% of the market.

The Communications Authority attributed this robust growth primarily to customer win-back campaigns run by operators during the reference period. Other sustaining factors include falling device costs, the expansion of high-speed mobile network infrastructure and the growing necessity of mobile-based economic and social services in Kenya. This shift continues to be marked by a migration from basic feature phones to smartphones, with smartphones now accounting for 63.7 percent of total mobile phones connected to networks.

Furthermore, as of March 31, 2026, Kenya had 62.6 million mobile broadband internet subscriptions. Safaricom also leads in this segment with 62.7 per cent market share compared to  64.3 per cent in the last quatre.

Inside Safaricom’s Sh95.6 billion record-breaking net profit in 12 months

In the fixed data segment, Safaricom leads with a 35.4 percent market share. Key challengers in this space include Jamii Telecommunications (19.5%), Wananchi Group (10.4%), and Poa Internet Kenya (9.7%). Smaller providers such as Ahadi Wireless (9.2%), Vilcom Network (6.0%), and Mawingu Networks (3.7%) continue to serve niche segments, while Starlink maintains a market share of 0.9 percent.

Safaricom remains the market leader in mobile money subscriptions with an 89.1 percent share, as the sub-segment grew to a total of 53.4 million active subscriptions.

Domestic voice traffic is distributed among operators as follows: Safaricom (64.96%), Airtel (34.88%), Telkom (0.07%), Equitel (0.05%), and Jamii (0.04%). For SMS traffic, the shares are: Safaricom (93.96%), Airtel (6.01%), Telkom (0.01%), Equitel (0.01%), and Jamii (0.0%).

 

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