Safaricom PLC and Opportunity International have partnered to develop FarmerAI, an innovative AI chatbot to provide smallholder farmers in Kenya with real-time, relevant agricultural best practices. The agricultural sector contributes significantly to Kenya’s GDP (22.4% according to KNBS), and smallholder farmers represent a substantial portion of the farming population. FarmerAI aims to address information gaps faced by these farmers, such as access to timely weather advisories, optimal planting schedules, and effective pest management strategies. AI-Powered Solutions FarmerAI leverages generative AI and localized agricultural insights to provide farmers with crucial information directly through accessible channels like SMS and WhatsApp. This direct-to-farmer…
Author: Muindi
Experience working on communication and marketing departments and in the broadcast industry. Interested in sustainable development and international relations issues.
Labh Singh Harnam Singh Limited (LSHS), a leading bus and truck body manufacturer in East and Central Africa, has been placed under administration, signaling a significant setback for the Kenyan automotive industry. This move comes amidst mounting financial challenges for the company, including a substantial debt to KCB Bank. Impact of Administration The appointment of joint administrators, PVR Rao and Swaroop Rao Ponangipalli, effectively transfers control of the company’s assets and operations from its directors. “Following the appointment, all the affairs and business of the company are being conducted by the joint administrators whose powers extend to all assets and…
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has increased penalties for banks that fail to comply with regulatory guidelines, raising the maximum fine from Ksh2 million to Ksh20 million. This move follows the enactment of the Business Laws Amendment Act and comes amid concerns over banks’ reluctance to lower lending rates despite recent monetary policy easing measures. The Act was enacted into law on 11 December 2024 and became effective on 27 December 2024. This legislation aims to strengthen oversight and ensure fair market practices within the financial sector. Addressing Concerns Over High Interest Rates During the first Monetary Policy Committee…
NCBA Group has published its inaugural Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure (SDID). It is the first African financial institution to adopt the new guidelines released by the Impact Disclosure Taskforce. Developed with the support of J.P. Morgan and Blaylock Van, the report demonstrates NCBA’s commitment to transparency and accountability in advancing sustainable development goals. “NCBA’s leadership in publishing the SDID establishes a new benchmark for transparency and accountability in advancing measurable sustainability goals,” Nyagaka Ongeri, President, Blaylock Van says. In the report, NCBA aims to contribute to 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, and climate…
The COMESA Competition Commission is investigating Airtel Mobile Commerce BV and MTN Group for potential violations of consumer protection laws within the COMESA region. The commission cites alleged discrepancies between displayed and actual charges for mobile money transfers. In addition, telcos fail to disclose crucial information to consumers, such as exchange rates, intermediary parties, and sender information. “In the case of Airtel Mobile Money Kenya, the charges displayed to the sender before confirming the transaction are, in some instances, different from the actual charges indicated in the final confirmation message, and details of the intermediary parties, as well as the…
Sri Lankan food giant CBL Group has announced its entry into the East African market with the establishment of a new distribution hub in Nairobi, Kenya. CBL Group has partnered with global logistics firm Expolanka Freight Limited and local distributor Peniel Acumen Distributors to bring its flagship brands, Munchee biscuits and Ritzbury chocolates, to the Kenyan market. “Kenya’s dynamic youth-driven market and the growing demand for high-quality snacks make it an ideal market for Munchee and Ritzbury,” said Kamal Geeganage, CEO of CBL Foods International. “Our commitment extends beyond simply offering delicious products to catering to the diverse food preferences…