On August 14th, 2024, I moderated a panel at the Kenya Internet Summit and .KE Awards 2024 on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Best Practices for Kenya’s and Africa’s Digital Transformation. We had a productive discussion with Joel Karubiu, Njihia Mbugua, and Kenneth Njihia.

Government Process Automation: Lessons from Estonia and Kenya

Joel Karubiu shared insights on Estonia’s success in government automation, particularly its digital ID system, which underpins seamless access to services. This system has made Estonia a leader in e-governance. Joel noted that Kenya has made strides with initiatives like eCitizen but still needs improvements in service delivery.

He emphasized that building trust and better communication are essential for the success of such initiatives. The government needs to focus more on conveying the benefits of systems like the digital ID to the public to build confidence.

The Role of Solution Architects in Digital Transformation

Njihia Mbugua discussed how solution architects are vital in aligning business and technology interests within enterprises. He stressed that innovation should focus on addressing real problems rather than creating solutions in search of problems. Njihia also pointed out that integrating new technologies, such as AI and blockchain, can revolutionize industries like healthcare and agriculture by offering personalized medicine and enhanced food security.

He highlighted the importance of balancing these innovations with existing infrastructure, especially in sectors like banking, which still rely on legacy systems.

Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency

Kenneth Njihia explored how AI is transforming industries, especially in advertising. AI-generated visuals are becoming commonplace, helping companies save time and money. Kenneth also discussed how AI tools like ChatGPT are revolutionizing content creation and data analysis, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently.

While AI offers great potential, Kenneth emphasized that human creativity and local insights remain crucial in creating impactful marketing campaigns. AI’s role in improving customer service through chatbots was also highlighted.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy in Kenya

Joel revisited cybersecurity, drawing from Estonia’s experience as the first country to be cyber-attacked in 2007. Estonia’s resilience is based on its digital ID system, which serves as a single source of truth for both government and private sector interactions.

He stressed the need for Kenya to prioritize cybersecurity and data privacy, urging individuals to take responsibility for safeguarding their personal information and calling for improved digital literacy to help citizens understand the value of their data.

Ethical Issues and Opportunities in Technology

Kenneth also addressed the ethical challenges in technology, such as the rise of gambling addiction among Kenyan youth. He shared how countries like Sweden use AI and digital IDs to control gambling activities, ensuring that individuals do not overspend. Kenneth called for similar innovations in Kenya to tackle these challenges while promoting the positive uses of technology, such as financial inclusion and online freelancing opportunities.

Conclusion: The Quiet Success of Kenyan Tech Startups

As the discussion wrapped up, I shared my observations on the quiet success of many Kenyan tech startups. Unlike the high-profile startups that often make headlines, companies like PesaPal and Turnkey Africa are quietly excelling in the B2B space by solving real problems and generating profits.

In conclusion, our discussion highlighted that digital transformation in Kenya and Africa is advancing steadily. To fully unlock its potential, we need to foster trust, improve digital literacy, and create an environment where innovation can thrive by solving real-world problems.

In the latest episode of Pure Digital Passion, I had the pleasure of interviewing Steve Song, a telecommunications expert widely recognized for his detailed maps of Africa’s Internet infrastructure. Steve’s work has become essential for understanding the continent’s connectivity, but his contributions extend into policy advocacy, shared spectrum management, and efforts to expand affordable access.

From Canada to South Africa: A Transformative Journey

Steve’s journey began in the 1990s when he moved from Canada to South Africa after Nelson Mandela’s release. Working for Sangonet, one of the first non-profit Internet service providers in South Africa, Steve helped civil society organizations, including the ANC, connect with the world via email. This early experience showed him the power of digital technology to empower marginalized communities and sparked his passion for telecommunications policy.

The Birth of Africa’s Internet Maps

Steve’s famous maps, which visualize Africa’s undersea and terrestrial Internet infrastructure, began as a personal project in 2008. With new cables like Seacom and TEAMS being laid, Steve started sketching out maps to understand this new landscape. What began as a personal project soon became a public resource, widely used by policymakers, businesses, and the public to visualize Africa’s digital future. Despite modestly downplaying his design skills, Steve’s maps became an iconic reference at digital conferences across the continent.

Village Telco: Affordable Communication for Underserved Areas

Another significant chapter in Steve’s career was the founding of Village Telco, a social enterprise aimed at delivering affordable voice and Internet services using low-cost WiFi mesh networks. At a time when telecommunications regulations in South Africa were restrictive, Village Telco enabled communities to build their own networks. Although the project faced challenges with scalability, Steve described it as a valuable learning experience, emphasizing the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.

Challenges in Policy and Regulation

Throughout our conversation, Steve discussed the challenges of pushing for more equitable access to communication infrastructure in Africa. Regulatory frameworks in many countries are still shaped by the legacy of state-owned telecommunications monopolies, which creates barriers for smaller operators. Steve advocates for regulations that actively support small operators, which he believes are key to extending connectivity to rural areas.

Shared Spectrum and TV White Spaces

Steve is also a strong proponent of shared spectrum management and TV White Spaces, which can help expand Internet access in underserved regions. Unlike traditional spectrum licenses, which grant exclusive rights to frequencies, shared spectrum approaches allow multiple operators to use the same frequencies, provided they don’t interfere with each other. Steve believes these strategies will be essential for unlocking affordable access in rural areas.

Looking Ahead: Community Networks and Collective Ownership

Steve sees community-driven initiatives and collective ownership models as crucial for filling the gaps left by private sector operators. Whether through cooperatives, municipalities, or community networks, these models not only provide access but also strengthen the social fabric of communities. We also discussed the potential of technologies like Starlink, which offer exciting possibilities but raise important questions about sustainability and local impact.

In closing, I want to thank Steve for sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience on Pure Digital Passion. His dedication to making communication infrastructure more accessible is truly inspiring.

A week ago, I had the pleasure of diving into the exciting world of Samsung’s latest foldable smartphones with Anthony Hutia, Head of Mobile Experience at Samsung Electronics East Africa. We discussed the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 which were launched the previous week during the Samsung Unpacked event and feature advanced AI features and also have flexible financing options for Kenyan consumers.

Samsung’s Latest Foldables.

We kicked off our discussion with an in-depth look at Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6. These devices are truly game-changers, offering unique foldable form factors that enhance multitasking capabilities and increase portability. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 boasts a large screen perfect for productivity and entertainment, while the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s compact design is ideal for those seeking style and functionality in a smaller package.

Anthony explained how the integration of Galaxy AI leverages the flexible form factor of these devices to deliver a new era of communication, productivity, and creativity. Features like Note Assist and the Google Gemini app provide users with seamless and enhanced mobile experiences, making these devices stand out in the market.

Financing Options & Pre-Order Incentives.

Understanding the financial challenges many face, Samsung has partnered with financial institutions in Kenya to offer flexible financing options. This enables customers to purchase these high-end devices with ease, spreading the investment over a period of time and making advanced technology accessible to a much broader audience.

For those eager to get their hands on the new devices, Samsung introduced attractive pre-order incentives. Customers who pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 6 receive a slim S-Pen case, while those who opt for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 get a flip suite case set. These offers add significant value, making it an opportune time to upgrade to the latest foldables from Samsung.

Samsung East Africa’s Mobile Division Performance.

Anthony shared insights into Samsung’s recent performance in the mobile division in Kenya and East Africa, particularly the success of the Galaxy S24 series. The series has seen remarkable growth, driven by advanced AI capabilities and exceptional camera performance. The seamless integration with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem further enhances the user experience.

Samsung’s wearables, including the new Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, which were also launched during the latest Samsung Unpacked event offer intelligent health monitoring and personalized insights, catering to the growing demand for health and fitness tracking. These too will be available for purchase in Kenya and East Africa in the coming weeks.

Future Plans & Vision.

Looking ahead, Samsung is committed to continuing its innovation in mobile technology. Anthony discussed the company’s plans to tailor future products and services to meet the unique needs of the Kenyan and East African markets. The ongoing advancements in Generative AI and a focus on sustainability mean that Samsung will continue to deliver technology that enriches lives and drives progress.

Closing Remarks.

A big thank you to Anthony Hutia for sharing his insights and making this conversation so enriching. As smart technology unfolds and financial solutions become more flexible, it’s an exciting time for consumers in Kenya who can benefit from Samsung’s myriad offerings. Whether you’re looking to dive into the world of foldables or seeking flexible financing solutions, the future is in your hands, quite literally, with Samsung!

In the latest episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast I got to have an inspiring conversation with Kiiru Muhoya, the co-founder and CEO of Fingo. At just 27 years old, Kiiru is on a mission to transform the financial landscape for young Africans through Fingo, a fully digital bank, or ‘neobank’, tailored to their needs.

From Humble Beginnings To Visionary Fintech Leader

Kiiru recounted his educational journey, starting from his early years in Kenya, attending schools like Braeside and Brookhouse, to studying philosophy, politics, and economics at the University of Warwick in the UK which played a crucial role in shaping his aspirations.

His time at Warwick was transformative, providing him with a broader perspective on Africa and igniting his passion for entrepreneurship and innovation which led him to the fintech space. His drive to make a difference culminated in the founding of Fingo, a digital bank designed to empower Africa’s youth.

The Birth of Fingo

The idea for Fingo was born out of Kiiru and his co-founders’ desire to address the financial challenges faced by young people in Africa. They decided to bootstrap the startup, and their dedication paid off when Fingo was accepted into the highly regarded Y Combinator in 2021.

In our conversation, Kiiru shared the origin of the name “Fingo,” which stands for “finance on the go.” This name embodies their mission to provide fast-moving financial services that fit seamlessly into the lives of young Africans.

Strategic Partnerships & Innovative Features

A significant milestone in Fingo’s journey was the strategic partnership with Ecobank. This partnership has been instrumental in Fingo’s operations, enabling them to leverage Ecobank’s extensive network and resources. Fingo’s app stands out for its user-friendly features that resemble social media platforms, making financial management engaging and intuitive for users.

Fingo’s app incorporates social media-like features such as chat bubbles when sending money, making the experience feel personal and engaging. This design choice was inspired by successful global digital finance apps like Cash App and Monzo, aiming to make banking as intuitive as using a social media app.

Rapid Growth & Success

Fingo’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Just six months ago, they celebrated reaching 100,000 customers. Today, Fingo proudly serves 150,000 customers, a clear demonstration of their impactful strategies and the pressing need for their services. Kiiru attributes this rapid growth to a combination of innovative features, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of their target demographic — Africa’s youth.

Overcoming Challenges

Scaling a startup is never without its challenges. Kiiru candidly shared some of the obstacles they faced, from regulatory hurdles to technological issues. However, with a clear vision and a dedicated team, Fingo has managed to navigate these challenges effectively, continuing to grow and innovate.

Empowering Africa’s Youth

At the heart of Fingo’s mission is a commitment to cater to the financial needs of young Africans. Fingo’s services are designed to help users manage their finances better, create wealth, and secure their financial futures. With 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population under 35, Fingo is poised to make a significant impact.

Looking Ahead

Kiiru’s vision for Fingo is ambitious. Over the next 2 to 5 years, he plans to expand Fingo’s reach across not just Africa but globally with an ambitious and possibly audacious intention to bring their unique flavour of innovative financial solutions to more young people. Beyond professional success, Kiiru emphasizes the importance of balance, sharing how he unwinds by playing FIFA and ensuring he has time for personal pursuits.

In this edition of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I had the pleasure of having a quick catchup with Farouk Ramji, the CEO of Mawingu, Kenya’s largest ISP dedicated exclusively to rural and peri-urban markets.

Our last conversation was in October 2022, and since then, Mawingu has experienced remarkable growth and transformation. Here’s a summary of our discussion about Mawingu’s journey and future plans:

A New Home Base

One of the first things Farouk and I discussed was their brand new office at ABC Place in Westlands, Nairobi. This move marks a significant upgrade from their previous co-working space, reflecting the company’s growth and increased workforce.Following a Series B equity round of $9 million closed in January 2023, Mawingu has expanded to 28 counties, serving nearly 20,000 active subscribers with a dedicated team of 200 people.

Expanding Network and Reach

Farouk highlighted the aggressive network rollout in 2023, which saw Mawingu expanding from 11 to 28 counties. The challenge now lies in acquiring the necessary capacity to continue this growth, especially in areas like Mandera. Despite these hurdles, Mawingu remains focused on its mission to provide affordable internet access to underserved regions.

Strategic Positioning and Competition

Mawingu’s strategy has always been to target underserved markets, avoiding direct competition with major players. By employing versatile technology — wireless, fibre, and green-energy solutions — they can adapt to varying terrain and market conditions. This approach allows them to offer competitive pricing and high-quality service, differentiating themselves from both large mobile network operators and smaller unlicensed resellers.

Fibre Technology and Future Plans

The transition to fibre technology is a key part of Mawingu’s strategy. In markets like Nyeri, they have already deployed extensive fibre networks, offering superior quality and reliability compared to wireless solutions. By the end of 2024, they aim for 8% of their subscriber base to be on fibre, with plans to grow this into double digits.

Community Impact with Mawingu.org

A key initiative from our conversation is Mawingu.org, a community-focused program aimed at connecting schools and other institutions in underserved areas.There are over 150 schools connected and this initiative provides affordable internet that transforms education and opens up new opportunities for students and teachers alike.Supported by grant funding from Microsoft, Mawingu.org is set to expand further, connecting 50 to 100 schools in each operational county.

Financial Sustainability and Future Expansion

Farouk proudly shared that Mawingu is not only performing well in Kenya but is also financially sustainable, with positive unit economics and cash flow. This strong foundation sets the stage for potential expansion beyond Kenya, replicating their successful model in other regions.

Conclusion

Mawingu’s journey from a small Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Nanyuki to a major player in Kenya’s internet landscape is a reflection of their innovative approach and commitment to serving underserved markets.

As they continue to grow and expand, their impact on communities and the broader digital landscape in Kenya is undeniable. It was a pleasure to catch up with Farouk and hear about the exciting developments at Mawingu.

In this edition of the Pure Digital Passion podcast I had the pleasure of hosting Kamal Budhabhatti, the founder and CEO of Craft Silicon, Little, and BluBeetle. Kamal’s journey from India to Kenya and his impact on the technology landscape in Kenya and Africa is nothing short of mind blowing! Here’s a summary of our insightful conversation.

Early Beginnings & His Journey To Kenya

Kamal shared about his humble beginnings in India and how he ventured into technology. His journey to Kenya started when a friend working in Kenya helped him secure a job. It was a significant event, as over 50 family members saw him off at the airport.

However, upon arrival, he found himself doing basic data entry tasks, which was not what he expected. A neighbor introduced him to a small bank needing a core banking system, and Kamal began moonlighting to assist them. Unfortunately, his employer discovered this and terminated him, sending him back to India the same day.

Determined to succeed, Kamal returned to Kenya with the support of his sister. He faced many challenges but gradually began developing software for the small bank. With the support of his landlord, who allowed him to stay rent-free, Kamal started onboarding more financial service providers, leading to the establishment of Craft Silicon.

Building Craft Silicon — From His Bedroom To 1,000+ Employees In Africa & Asia

Craft Silicon, which began as a one-person business, has grown into a leading financial services technology solutions provider with over 1,000 employees and operations in Africa and Asia.

Kamal’s big break came when he developed a core banking system for Equity Building Society, working closely with the legendary James Mwangi. This project was key as Equity Bank transitioned into one of Kenya’s largest banks.

Craft Silicon’s solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with other financial systems, offering flexibility and affordability. A notable success is the recently launched SC Juza mobile lending app developed for Standard Chartered Bank in Kenya.

Founding Little — From Idea To Launch In 3 Weeks!

Kamal also shared the story behind Little, a ride-hailing service developed in response to the challenges faced by Uber drivers in Kenya. This was done with encouragement from Bitange Ndemo and support from the late Bob Collymore of Safaricom. Kamal and his team built the platform in just three weeks.

Today, Little has a Pan-African footprint, focusing primarily on servicing corporate clients and offering better compensation to driver partners. This approach has made Little particularly popular among women, who find it a safer option for evening rides.

Innovations and Future Plans — Create A US$ 1B Valued Business, Also Known As A Unicorn!

Kamal is also venturing into Generative AI with BluBeetle. Their new offering, BankGPT, is a multimodal chatbot designed to enhance customer experience through AI. This proposition leverages first-party data to deliver superior, customer-centric solutions at scale.

Looking ahead, Kamal aims to raise significant funding to start a massive fintech startup focusing on mobile lending across various markets. His vision is to create a unicorn — a billion-dollar valuation company.

Kamal believes in the potential of fundraising, provided startups have a practical plan for deploying funds toward sustainable business models.

Craft Silicon Foundation — Inspired By Humble Beginnings

Inspired by his own struggles growing up, Kamal established the Craft Silicon Foundation. The foundation operates in every market where Craft Silicon has an office, providing funding and learning opportunities for children from underserved communities.

Closing Thoughts & The Life Lessons For All

Kamal’s journey is nothing short of astounding and demonstrates how resilience, innovation, and the power of technology can transform lives — from being a freelance software developer in Kenya to running multiple technology businesses globally.

In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast I had the privilege of hosting Janice Kemoli, a seasoned Kenyan Marketing and Branding Advisor whose impressive career spans leading businesses such as Coca Cola, Colgate Palmolive, GSK, Barclays Bank (ABSA), East African Breweries (Diageo), Equity Bank, and most recently Prudential Insurance. Janice and I go way back to our days at Africa Online, one of Kenya’s pioneering Internet Service Providers over 20 years ago. Her journey and insights are nothing short of inspiring!

An Educational Marketing Journey From The US To Kenya & Beyond

Janice shared her story of pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on marketing in the US. She described the challenges she faced, including tackling subjects like calculus and accounting, which were essential parts of the program. Despite initial intentions to stay in the US, she returned to Kenya after a thoughtful rejection from a potential employer encouraged her to leverage her skills back home.

Breaking Into Marketing & Branding

Upon returning to Kenya, finding a job proved challenging. Janice recounted how her mother didn’t initially understand what a career in marketing entailed, thinking it was the same as sales. However, with support from her father and determination, she landed her first role as a at Colgate Palmolive that led to her becoming a Brand Manager. This position allowed her to hone skills beyond traditional marketing, including financial projections, supplier collaboration, and packaging — emphasizing that all these tasks are integral to marketing when aligned with the 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion).

Advanced Marketing At Global Brands

Janice’s time at Coca Cola in South Africa was particularly enlightening. She shared anecdotes about the high-quality marketing and branding training provided at tertiary schools there, which often produces some of the best marketing professionals in Africa. Her experiences highlighted the structured and advanced approaches to marketing that she learned and implemented at Coca Cola and other global brands.

Creating A Unique Branding Framework

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janice networked with senior marketing professionals globally and clarified her thoughts on the gaps in branding and marketing for indigenous Kenyan and African businesses. This led to the creation of a unique branding framework, which she currently deploys with leading businesses like Sarit Centre and Prudential Insurance, aligning with global standards she learned at top global brands.

The Importance of The 4Ps In Marketing & Branding

Janice provided a quick summary of why the 4Ps (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) matter:

• Promotion: The role of communication is to create desire.
• Product: The role of the product is to define the offer and benefits for the customer or consumer.
• Place: The role of distribution is to make the product available or place the product at the convenience of the customer or consumer.
• Price: The role of pricing is to define the value of your offer to the customer or consumer and bank the cheque.

Getting Mentorship & High-Quality Local Brands

Janice emphasized the importance of mentorship for aspiring and existing marketing professionals to enhance their capabilities. She also discussed the creation of high-quality local brands to international standards, citing the Social House Hotel in Nairobi as an example of a world-class, afrocentric experience that reflects the social personalities of its founders.

Conclusion

I am delighted that Janice shared her incredible journey in branding and marketing from both global and localised perspectives as well as the insights that come with decades of working experiences at leading organisations. Her dedication to advancing marketing and branding in Kenya and beyond is truly inspiring. To our audience, I hope this episode offers valuable insights into the power of strategic marketing and branding for organisations of all sizes.

In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Maurice Matheka, one of Kenya’s and Africa’s only male professional relationship and sex therapists. Maurice is someone I know from my teenage years so its quite interesting I got to have him on my podcast. The truth be said, this podcast’s subject matter was completely uncharted territory for me as it had nothing in common with matters technology!

Maurice’s journey from growing up in Mombasa, studying and working in the UK, to becoming a full-time therapist in Kenya is nothing short of unconventional. During our candid and sometimes controversial conversation, we delved into the complexities of relationships, sexual satisfaction, and the societal factors impacting them. Buckle up!

The Importance of Honesty in Relationships

Maurice emphasized that many relationships fail due to a lack of honesty between partners. Whether it’s about the state of the relationship or individual needs, open communication is crucial. He pointed out that love alone does not guarantee the success of a relationship. Instead, an authentic friendship between partners is more important. Maurice believes that being honest from the onset can prevent many issues later on.

The Role of Religion and Societal Expectations

Our discussion touched on how religion often pressures individuals to stay in unhappy relationships. Maurice observed that this can lead to extramarital affairs as a form of escape. Additionally, he noted that young Kenyans often approach relationships transactionally, with money and resources being key drivers. This lack of a strong foundation can lead to unstable relationships.

The Struggles of Kenyan Men

Maurice shared that many Kenyan men feel unappreciated in relationships, seen only as providers rather than holistic beings who also need love and appreciation. This lack of emotional support can have severe consequences, including a rise in male suicide rates. Furthermore, he noted that many men are not being “masculine” enough, resulting in women finding them less appealing, even if they are married, leading to cheating and breakups.

The Importance of Sexual Satisfaction

A part of out conversation focused on sexual satisfaction. Maurice stated that unsatisfying sex is a major factor leading to infidelity among both men and women. He stressed the importance of getting the sexual aspect of a relationship right to ensure its overall success. Couples need to be honest about their sexual preferences and work together to maintain a satisfying sexual connection.

The Future of Relationships

Maurice’s outlook on the future of relationships in Kenya is somewhat pessimistic, given the current trends. However, he believes that both men and women can turn things around by having honest and candid conversations about their expectations and needs from the beginning. This proactive approach can prevent many issues that arise from unmet expectations and societal pressures.

Final Thoughts

Hosting Maurice Matheka on the Pure Digital Passion podcast was an eye-opening and even an uncomfortable experience at times!. His insights into the dynamics of relationships and sexual satisfaction are clearly invaluable even if they clearly challenge what may be many preconceived notions. By addressing these issues openly, couples can work towards healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Have a watch, or a listen, and keep an open mind!