Author: David Indeje

Twelve African countries blocked or disrupted internet connection 19 times in 2021, three more countries than in 2020, said a report by digital rights advocacy group Access Now. In 2021, authorities deliberately shut down the internet at least 182 times across 34 countries. Access Now’s report – The return of digital authoritarianism: internet shutdowns in 2021 – unpacks the data, trends, and stories behind a year’s worth of internet shutdowns, released Thursday. “With a gradual return to normalcy following the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a dramatic resurgence of internet shutdowns1 in 2021. During this year, Access…

The International Monetary Fund ( IMF) has reached a staff agreement to advance KSh 28 billion loan to Kenya as part of the $2.3 billion Special Drawing Right (SDR) approved in April 2021. However, the agreement is subject to the approval of IMF management and the Executive Board. The agreement is the third review of the economic policies program which took place between March 31 and April 22. International Monetary Fund (IMF)  EFF and ECF Financing Programme Date Amount Received (USD mn)  Amount Received (Kshs bn) Apr-21 307.5 35.6 Jun-21 407.0 47.1 Dec-21 258.1 29.9 April-22 *244.0 *28.2 Total Amount…

Students and pupils are back for their new academic session, Standard Chartered Kenya has announced exciting deals with a range of exclusive offers for its ‘Back to School’ campaign to ease the burden on parents and guardians. Here are some of the best deals that are currently running on Stanchart Kenya for students. Stanchart together with its partners – Bata Shoe Kenya, Chandarana Foodplus, Savanis Bookshop, Nairobi Sports House, and Text Book Center- is offering huge discounts and offers on books, school bags, sports and fitness accessories, and basic school supplies. Shopping! Enjoy 360 Rewards from Standard Chartered With your…

Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city will host Google’s first product development center in Africa. The center will develop transformative products and services for people in Africa and around the world.  “The potential for Africa to become a leading digital economy is right on the horizon and Google is committed to accelerating Africa’s digital transformation through human capital and enabling ‘African-led solutions to African and global problems’ through better products,” said Nitin Gajria, Google in Africa MD. https://twitter.com/sundarpichai/status/1516425703427825667?s=20&t=FTdqjfzlLHouoqvqNZvrfg It will be hiring engineers, product managers, UX designers, and researchers. “We’re looking for talented, creative, and collaborative people who can help solve difficult…

Netflix Inc. reported a drop in subscriber numbers in the first quarter, losing a net 0.2 million streaming customers for a total of 221.64 million worldwide at the end of March.  The streaming platform said its main challenge for membership growth is continued soft acquisition across all regions. Netflix informed that in addition to its 222 million paying households, it estimates that the streaming service is being shared with over 100 million additional households. “Account sharing as a percentage of our paying membership hasn’t changed much over the years, but, coupled with the first factor, means it’s harder to grow…

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is building a feature to organise separate groups in larger structures dubbed Communities. According to Meta, users will be able to receive updates sent to the entire Community and easily organise smaller discussion groups on what matters to them.   “At the center of every Community on WhatsApp is a description and menu of groups that people can choose to join. This provides a structure and organization to conversations among larger and more complex groups that allow people to focus on what matters to them,” the company said. “That way people can receive updates sent to the…