Author: Muindi

Epson announces the S1A00210B, a new power management IC optimized for hearing aids and compact electronics. Sample reservations begin April 2025, with mass production shipments scheduled for August 2025. Advancements in Power Management for Hearing Aids Power management integrated circuits [PMICs] play a crucial role in managing power within electronic devices, including rechargeable battery control. Epson has been developing PMICs for hearing aids since 2016, addressing the limitations of primary [non-rechargeable] batteries, such as voltage drops, frequent replacements, and waterproofing challenges. By introducing wireless charging technology, Epson has enhanced the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids. Epson’s latest PMIC, the S1A00210B,…

Human Mobile Devices (HMD), a global leader in innovative smartphone technology, has put the human back into the smart story at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. HMD debuts new family portfolio demonstrating better technology for families with the aim to solve a global mental health crisis that is being caused by excessive screen time, and to support online safety for minors. The first device to launch under the new family umbrella, HMD Fusion X1, is announced following new research unveiled today from HMD which surveyed 25,000 children and adults from around the world1 – the findings reveal more than half of…

Amsons Group has announced a $400 million investment plan over the next three years to drive growth following its $183 million acquisition of over 95% of Bamburi Cement in December 2024. The Tanzanian-based conglomerate, which completed the acquisition through its Kenyan subsidiary Amsons Industries (K) Ltd, is currently executing a compulsory buyout to acquire the remaining shares, leading to the likely delisting of Bamburi Cement from the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), where it has been listed since 1970. Amsons Group Managing Director Edha Nahdi emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing Bamburi Cement’s operational standards. “From the onset, I…

Tanzania’s Amsons Group has extended its offer to buy out the remaining minority Bamburi Cement shareholders who declined the initial bid of Sh65 per share. The initial takeover offer, made in July, sought to acquire 100 per cent of Bamburi Cement’s issued ordinary shares. At that time, Holcim held a 58.6 per cent stake, with the remaining shares distributed among Kenyan institutions, individuals, and other foreign investors. However, shareholders representing 3.46 per cent of the company’s shares opted not to accept the Sh65 per share offer. Amsons has now issued a six-week ultimatum to these non-assenting shareholders. They can either…

The Kenyan government has extended the ban on exporting raw, in-shell macadamia nuts, effective March 1st, coinciding with the start of the harvest season. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, in a statement released on February 27th, cited the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) Act, the Oil Crops (Nuts and Crops) Regulations of 2020, and other national and international obligations as the legal basis for the ban. “The government’s policy stance is well-meaning and informed by a commitment to ensuring that the industry adheres to the law,” said Kagwe. He emphasised the government’s commitment to legal compliance within the industry. Kagwe urged…

Kenya’s annual consumer inflation increased for the fourth consecutive month, reaching 3.5% in February from 3.3% in January, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This marks a five-month high. The primary driver was a rise in food prices, with the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages index increasing by 0.6% between January and February and showing a 6.4% annual increase. “This is an indication that the general price level in February 2025 was 3.5% higher than it was in February 2024,” stated KNBS. Notably, sugar, cooking oil (salad), and tomatoes saw price increases of 3.2%, 1.6%, and 1.3%, respectively,…