Techish Kenya

Eveready East Africa Pivots: From “Shika Paka Pawa” to Green Energy Finance Eveready ditches dry cells for a green platform, offering solar solutions, carbon credits, and financing for electric vehicles in Kenya.

Eveready ditches dry cells for a green platform, offering solar solutions, carbon credits, and financing for electric vehicles in Kenya.

The Mothership Calls: OPPO Absorbs Realme in Major India Restructuring OPPO absorbs Realme India as a sub-brand, triggering sales and service layoffs to streamline operations by April 2026.

OPPO absorbs Realme India as a sub-brand, triggering sales and service layoffs to streamline operations by April 2026.

The New Antivirus is Critical Thinking: Safer Internet Day 2026 Safer Internet Day 2026 shifts from basic safety to AI readiness, emphasizing critical thinking, media literacy, and collective digital responsibility.

Safer Internet Day 2026 shifts from basic safety to AI readiness, emphasizing critical thinking, media literacy, and collective digital responsibility.

Safaricom M-PESA users hit with ‘ghost’ update loop as Ziidi Trader launches Safaricom is currently rolling out a major expansion to its financial ecosystem with the launch of Ziidi Trader. But for some M-PESA app users, the day is starting with a frustrating loop of "ghost" update notifications. Some Safaricom users on the stable channel are receiving an "Update Required" prompt when opening the M-PESA app. The notification, which warns of an "OUTDATED APP VERSION," blocks access to the app until the user taps the green "UPDATE" button. However, users are reporting that tapping the button leads to nothing. Yes, there are no new updates available.

Stuck in an M-PESA app update loop? Users are reporting a 'ghost' update blocking access to the app just as Safaricom launches Ziidi Trader.

Here's what's likely happening:

Safaricom Deploys Tech Infrastructure and Super App Integration for HSBC SVNS2 with KES 10 Million Sponsorship Safaricom invests KES 10M in rugby infrastructure, leveraging high-speed connectivity and M-PESA App rewards to drive digital ecosystem engagement.

Safaricom invests KES 10M in rugby infrastructure, leveraging high-speed connectivity and M-PESA App rewards to drive digital ecosystem engagement.

Six Kenyan Creatives Bound for Cannes as Digital and Design Sectors Take Centre Stage Six Kenyan creatives secured Cannes Lions slots in France after winning KBL and Safaricom’s Digital, Film, and Design national competition.

Six Kenyan creatives secured Cannes Lions slots in France after winning KBL and Safaricom’s Digital, Film, and Design national competition.

Redmi Note 14 Pro allegedly catches fire while charging in Kenya A reported incident involving a Redmi Note 14 Pro user in Ngong, Kenya, has drawn attention after claims that the phone began smoking while charging overnight. According to posts on X dated February 9, 2026, the device allegedly emitted smoke and a strong burning smell around 2 AM, prompting the owner, referred to in some accounts as Alfred, to quickly unplug it and remove it from the premises. No injuries were reported in these accounts. Several of these posts include photos purportedly showing the device in question, contributing to their rapid spread.

Reports claim a Redmi Note 14 Pro smoked while charging overnight in Ngong, Kenya, raising battery safety concerns amid the recent Redmi Note 15 series launch.

M-Shwari outage locks Kenyan users out of funds as Safaricom confirms system issues Kenyan users of M-Shwari, the popular mobile savings and loan service operated by NCBA Bank in partnership with Safaricom’s M-Pesa, experienced a widespread outage over the past 36 hours that left many unable to access or withdraw their money. The disruption began early Sunday, with reports flooding social media from users unable to move money between M-PESA and M-Shwari. For many, the timing was critical, with the outage striking on a weekend when quick access to mobile loans and savings is often essential for household running costs. Safaricom acknowledged the downtime later in the day, attributing the failure to a "technical issue" affecting their partner system.

Safaricom users faced an unexpected M-Shwari outage that blocked withdrawals and access to funds for hours, but the telco says services have now been restored.

KRA restores NIL filing tab, but 2025 NIL returns can only be filed after March 31 The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has restored the NIL return filing functionality on the iTax platform, a move coming after the company halted the service in January 2026 to the confusion of many Kenyans. While the restoration of the service is a relief to many Kenyans who have been unable to access the "File Nil Return" tab in recent weeks, there is a significant catch regarding the current tax season. According to KRA, while the platform is active, the option to file NIL returns for the January–December 2025 period will only be applicable for returns filed after 31st March 2026.

KRA has brought back NIL return filing on iTax, and there’s no need to rush because Kenyans can only submit their 2025 nil return after March 31, 2026.

Telegram makes Stories free for all users Telegram is finally lowering the velvet rope. After keeping its Stories feature locked behind a paywall since its debut, the messaging giant is now rolling out the ability to post Stories to all users, regardless of whether they have a Premium subscription. The move marks a significant shift in Telegram’s strategy, as the feature was previously the primary "hero" perk for its $4.99-a-month subscription tier. Now, the platform is following the lead of competitors like WhatsApp and Instagram by making ephemeral sharing a core part of the free experience. While the update is officially live, it appears Telegram is taking a staged approach.

Telegram has started letting all users post Stories for free, removing a major Premium paywall, though limits and exclusive features still apply.

Showmax might be dead Showmax has lived many lives. It launched as MultiChoice’s answer to Netflix, stumbled, and then dramatically relaunched in 2024. It feels like just yesterday we were covering the massive Showmax 2.0 relaunch backed by Comcast’s NBCUniversal and positioned as a more global, more technical platform. But two years later, the service’s future is looking murky. The relaunch brought a new app, new pricing tiers, more sports, and deeper telco integrations. However, in the same interview where she touted the Canal+ app, CFO Amandine Ferre dropped a bombshell regarding MultiChoice’s dedicated streaming service: It hasn’t taken a final decision on what to do with Showmax.

Canal+ says it hasn’t decided what to do with Showmax, raising fresh questions about the future of MultiChoice’s streaming platform after its latest revival.

Canal+ eyes bringing Apple TV+ and HBO Max content to DStv subscribers If you thought the big changes at MultiChoice ended with the takeover last September, think again. The new French owners, Canal+, are now considering a massive shake-up that could see DStv subscribers migrate to the Canal+ streaming app, bringing heavy hitters like Apple TV+ and HBO Max directly into the ecosystem. According to a Bloomberg report from last week, Canal+ is "mulling" the rollout of its own streaming platform to MultiChoice clients. This isn’t just a simple app swap; it’s a consolidation play. The Canal+ app already integrates content from Apple TV and Warner Bros.

Canal+ is considering rolling out its streaming app to DStv users, bundling Apple TV+ and HBO Max as it reshapes MultiChoice after its $3 billion takeover.

The Problem With Subscription-Based Fitness Tech Subscription fitness tech creates problems like "bricking" hardware, cloud-dependency risks, paywalled safety features, and massive electronic waste, shifting ownership to mere usership.

Subscription fitness tech creates problems like "bricking" hardware, cloud-dependency risks, paywalled safety features, and massive electronic waste, shifting ownership to mere usership.

Rose Njeri, the viral Finance Bill email tool dev, is back with ‘Tuma Report’, a citizen journalism app for Kenya If you followed the intense civic engagement around the Finance Bill 2025 last May, you likely remember the "Civic Email" tool. It was a simple yet devastatingly effective web app that allowed thousands of Kenyans to flood parliamentary inboxes with objections. The developer behind it, Rose Njeri Tunguru (known on X as @rtunguru), has just launched her next major project, and it lands right as the country begins to look toward the upcoming election period. It’s called Tuma Report, and it is arguably a more ambitious attempt to decentralize how news is gathered and consumed in Kenya.

Citizen journalism in Kenya just got an upgrade with the new Tuma Report app, a tool that lets you track and report civic events across Kenya instantly.

KRA announces 36-hour shutdown of customs system (ICMS) this weekend

If you are an importer, exporter, or clearing agent, you need to move fast. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a significant scheduled downtime for its customs operations starting this Saturday. The authority will be…

KRA tax filing changes: How the taxman is using tech to end the ‘June rush’ For years, the month of June in Kenya has been synonymous with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) system downtimes, long queues, and the panic of beating the June 30th deadline. If you’ve ever stared at a loading screen on iTax at 11:50 PM, you know the struggle. But for the 2026 filing season, the story might finally change. KRA has announced major tax filing changes aimed at modernizing the experience. Moving away from the "one-size-fits-all" approach, the authority is rolling out a phased, data-driven system that categorizes taxpayers based on the complexity of their income.

KRA has announced major tax filing changes for 2026, introducing phased filing, prepopulated returns, and personalized guidance to reduce last-minute rush and filing errors on iTax.

Ziidi Trader Launches: Buy and Sell NSE Shares Instantly From Your M‑PESA App Following a successful pilot announced in November 2025, Safaricom has officially rolled out Ziidi Trader to the mass market. The feature is now live on the M-PESA App, allowing millions of Kenyans to buy and sell shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) with zero paperwork and no need for a third-party broker account. Safaricom has already begun notifying customers via SMS with a message that signals a direct attack on traditional market barriers: "Stock trading is now easier with Ziidi Trader. No account, No paperwork. Buy & sell shares on NSE from your MPESA App."

Safaricom’s Ziidi Trader integrates NSE stock trading into M‑PESA, easing entry and fees but prompting concerns about speculation and risks.

The KES 5 Billion Gamble: Why Your New Green Plate Might Not Save You Money Kenya launches green number plates and e-mobility policy, but personal electric cars miss key tax breaks. Here is the reality.

Kenya launches green number plates and e-mobility policy, but personal electric cars miss key tax breaks. Here is the reality.

From Boardrooms to Operations: How AI Kenya’s 3rd Industry Breakfast is Redefining Efficiency Ai Kenya held the 3rd edition of their industry breakfast recently concluded on the 29th of January bringing industry leaders from different domains in one room. The biggest conversation and the theme of the day being "AI POWERED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY FOR TEAMS AND SYSTEMS". 120+ industry professionals including CEO's, Entrepreneurs, COO's, CTO's, government representatives convened at Movenpick Residencies Nairobi to talk about AI operational efficiency. This in turn signals a big shift witnessed from just talk in board rooms to actionable insights being witnessed in day to day operations by companies.

From Boardrooms to Operations: How AI Kenya’s 3rd Industry Breakfast is Redefining Efficiency

Ai Kenya held the 3rd edition of their industry breakfast recently concluded on the 29th of January bringing industry leaders from different domains in one room. The biggest conversation and the theme of…

Infinix Note Edge arrives with a massive 6,150mAh ‘self-healing’ battery and Android 16 Infinix debuts NOTE Edge in Kenya: world's first Dimensity 7100 , Android 16 , 6150mAh battery for KES 32,999.

Infinix debuts NOTE Edge in Kenya: world's first Dimensity 7100 , Android 16 , 6150mAh battery for KES 32,999.

Amazon Fire TV now blocks installation of piracy apps completely If you thought Google’s recent crackdown on apps like Cricfy TV was annoying, Amazon just said, "Hold my beer." Back in November, we reported that Amazon had started blocking piracy apps from launching. At the time, it felt like a significant escalation. After all, you could install the app, but Fire TV would simply refuse to open it. Well, Amazon has decided that wasn’t enough. In a move that makes Google’s Play Protect antics look like child's play, Amazon is now actively blocking the installation of piracy and illegal streaming apps…

Amazon has started blocking piracy apps from installing on Android-based Fire TV devices, escalating its crackdown far beyond Google’s approach to sideloading.

Uber exits Tanzania again after 10 years 10 years after opening office in Tanzania, Uber's permanent exit happened on January 30th 2026. This happened after what Uber cited as "unworkable regulatory environment". This isn't the first time they are stepping away from Tanzania. Back in April 2022, Uber had suspended operations for 10 months due to hindering regulations. Uber came in as an alternative to the traditional taxis but similar to how many international companies approach the African market, they were plagued with many issues that were the final nail in the coffin which we break down below;

Uber exits Tanzania again after 10 years

10 years after opening office in Tanzania, Uber's permanent exit happened on January 30th 2026. This happened after what Uber cited as "unworkable regulatory environment". This isn't the first time they are stepping away from Tanzania. Back in April 2022,…

Best smartphones to buy in Kenya for KES 20,000 and below (2026 guide) Rising prices mean the best KES 20,000 smartphone depends on prioritising battery, updates, or specs across diverse, competitive Kenyan brands.

KES 20,000 used to be the smartphone sweet spot in Kenya. Here’s how things have changed, and the best phones you can still buy under KES 20,000 in 2026.

I’ve finally ditched Google Chrome for Firefox for this one HUGE reason For years now, we’ve been told that AI is inevitable. That it’s “enhancing” our experience. That it’s making the web better, smarter, more helpful. And if you don’t like it? Too bad, it’s being shipped whether you asked for it or not. That’s exactly why Mozilla’s latest move finally pushed me over the edge. While some people love having a co-pilot for everything, a growing number of us just want to browse the web. We don’t want summaries; we want to read the source. We don’t want "enhanced" suggestions; we want our own tabs.

While Google keeps shoving AI tools down our throats, Mozilla just announced the ultimate feature for Firefox 148: An AI Kill Switch.

Starting Feb 24, you can block ALL generative AI features with one toggle. No pop-ups. No summaries. Just the web.

OpenAI, Nvidia, and Oracle: The $100 Billion ‘Stall’ Exposing AI’s Circular Economy Analysis of the Nvidia-OpenAI-Oracle circular financing loop, exposing the systemic risks and liquidity traps behind the stalled $100 billion deal

The Nvidia-OpenAI "stall" wasn't just gossip - it exposed the fragile "Circular Economy" holding up the AI industry.

Spotify increases Premium prices in Kenya A little over a year after its last adjustment, Spotify is once again raising subscription prices for users in Kenya. According to the official Spotify Kenya website, the streaming giant is rolling out a significant price hike across all its Premium tiers. This move comes alongside similar price adjustments confirmed for the US, Estonia, and Latvia, where the individual plan is jumping from $11.99 to $12.99. In Kenya, the new pricing structure sees the Individual plan rise from KES 339 to KES 419 per month, an increase of roughly 24%.

Spotify raises subscription prices in Kenya for 2026. The Individual plan now costs KES 419, with significant hikes for Duo, Student, and Family tiers.

Here's the full price breakdown:

CBK Issues Strict Warning on Money Bouquets and Currency Misuse CBK warns Kenyans against using banknotes in flower bouquets, citing legal risks and damage to currency processing machines.

CBK warns Kenyans against using banknotes in flower bouquets, citing legal risks and damage to currency processing machines.

WhatsApp is working on a subscription plan with premium features WhatsApp is the undisputed king of communication in Kenya. From family gatherings and "Chamas" to official work channels and informal businesses, the app has effectively replaced SMS and even email for many. But are you ready to pay for it? According to the latest reports from WABetaInfo, Meta is currently developing an optional subscription plan for WhatsApp. Discovered in the Android beta version 2.26.4.8, this new plan is set to bring a host of customization options to the platform. What do you get for your money? While the core messaging and calling features remain free, the premium tier targets power users who want more control over the app's look and functionality.

WhatsApp may soon be asking users to open their wallets — not to unlock privacy or messaging, but for a new subscription plan that will offer exclusive premium features

Matatus vs Boda Boda Strike: “We Want A Monopoly on Bad Behaviour” Why the Nairobi strike is a tragedy of irony. Matatu owners aren't fighting for road safety; they are fighting Boda Bodas for a monopoly on bad behaviour

Why the Nairobi strike is a tragedy of irony. Matatu owners aren't fighting for road safety; they are fighting Boda Bodas for a monopoly on bad behaviour

The KOKO Collapse: How a Carbon Credit Standoff Bankrupted Kenya’s Clean Energy Giant Kenya’s KOKO Networks collapsed after the government denied carbon authorisation, stranding 1.5 million households and risking massive World Bank liability.

Kenya’s KOKO Networks collapsed after the government denied carbon authorisation, stranding 1.5 million households and risking massive World Bank liability.