In Illeret, a remote town near the Ethiopian border, once cut off from roads, mobile networks, and emergency services, a single cell tower has become a lifeline. “Before the network, we couldn’t even call for help,” says Koriye Kuute, a local fisherman. Today, traders use mobile money to sell fish across counties, students access digital learning materials, and healthcare workers coordinate care in real time. This transformation isn’t just technological—it’s economic, educational, and deeply human. The arrival of Safaricom’s network has turned Illeret into a case study in digital inclusion, borderland resilience, and infrastructure-led development. “We are no longer isolated.…
Author: David Indeje
David Indeje
David Indeje serves as the community engagement editor at Khusoko, a digital platform covering East African business news. He manages editorial content, engages audiences, and amplifies diverse voices while consulting on digital strategy for brands in agriculture, governance, technology, and health. Indeje explores AI’s impact on journalism and works as a communications officer at KICTANet.
Mobile banking fraud surges 344% amid digital expansion; CBK intensifies ICT oversight and calls for human-centered cybersecurity frameworks. Kenya’s banking sector is grappling with an alarming rise in cyber-enabled fraud, with total losses jumping 264% to KSh 1.5 billion ($11.1 million) in 2024, up from KSh 412 million ($3.1 million) the previous year. The spike, driven by mobile banking vulnerabilities and rapid digitalisation, has prompted the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to enhance its supervisory lens on ICT risk and cyber resilience. “Cyber risks have increased due to the digitalisation of payments and transfer of money from person to person,”…
Nairobi-headquartered lenders Equity Bank Group and KCB Group Plc are advancing strategic moves into Ethiopia, following regulatory reforms that opened the country’s banking sector to foreign investment. Equity Bank Engages Ethiopian Investment Commission Equity Bank Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi held talks with Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) Commissioner Dr. Zeleke Temesgen on Friday, a key step in the bank’s entry strategy. “The Commission is ready to provide the necessary cooperation and support to facilitate the bank’s entry into Ethiopia’s financial sector,” said Dr. Temesgen. Dr. Mwangi said Equity had long targeted Ethiopia as part of its regional growth strategy. “The…
Kenya’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are rewriting the rules of growth driven by private equity and venture capital (PE/VC) that goes far beyond traditional financing. In a market where short-term debt often stifles innovation, PE/VC is offering patient capital, strategic technical support and guidance, and capacity building to ensure resilience, especially during economic shocks like COVID-19. With backing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) through the Boost Africa initiative, Kenya’s most dynamic startups are scaling impact in energy, mobility, agriculture, fintech, and digital inclusion. The result: more jobs, deeper market access, and inclusive growth aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030.…
Kenya has been ranked 58th globally in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, marking its debut in the top 60 and reinforcing its reputation as one of the most business-friendly nations worldwide. Sub-Saharan Leader in Ecosystem Growth The country rose five places from last year’s 63rd position, recording a 33.5% annual ecosystem growth—the highest among Africa’s top five startup nations. Within the continent, Kenya ranks second behind South Africa (53rd globally), ahead of Egypt (65th), Nigeria (66th), and Rwanda (96th). “Kenya’s consistent rise, despite East Africa showing the slowest sub-regional growth, reflects its resilience and attractiveness to investors,” the report…
As Mantrac Kenya marks 100 years as the official Caterpillar dealer, the company is not just reflecting on a legacy of powering infrastructure; it’s charting a bold course for the next century. From digital transformation to sustainable machinery, Mantrac is positioning itself at the heart of Kenya’s industrial future. “This milestone isn’t just about longevity. It is about leadership,” said Mohamed Ibrahim, Managing Director of Mantrac Kenya. “We have powered progress across generations, and now we are engineering the future with the same commitment to excellence.” A Century of Engineering Evolution At the heart of Mantrac’s centennial celebration is a…