Author: Khusoko

Kenya’s biggest telecom operator Safaricom has named Stephen Kiptinness as its new chief strategy officer with effect from 1st May 2022, subject to relevant regulatory approvals. If approved, he will be replacing Stephen Chege who is the current Vodacom Group Chief External Affairs Officer.   Kiptinness will be responsible for the organization’s reputation management, public policy, and legal and regulatory affairs. He will also steer the development and implementation of Safaricom’s corporate investment strategy as well as oversee internal and external communications. Prior to his appointment, Kiptinness was a Senior Partner at Kiptinness & Odhiambo Associates LLP where he headed the…

Google Cloud has hired Jack Ngare to join Google Cloud’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as a Technical Director. Ngare is joining Google Cloud from Microsoft with over 15 years of experience in various business functions. At Microsoft, he served as the managing director of the Africa Development Centre in Kenya.  Prior to that, he worked at Finserve Africa as part of Equity Group, where he served as managing director. “Google Cloud’s Office of the CTO not only helps our customers create their future with technology but also guides Google on what challenges the world’s enterprises are trying…

Kenya Association of Manufacturers Chief Executive Phyllis Wakiaga is exiting from the association after nine years of service. The lobby’s Board Chair Mucai Kunyiha said Wakiaga has left to pursue a new professional challenge in an Africa Advisory role. She is currently serving her notice and will officially be leaving on June 30.  “Since joining KAM as the Head of Policy, Research, and Advocacy in 2013, and later taking over the leadership mantle in 2015 as CEO from (now CS) Betty Maina, Phyllis has brought a tremendous level of energy, enthusiasm, and industry knowledge to the organization,” Kunyiha said in…

Safaricom has announced the retirement of its long-serving senior executive Joe Ogutu, Chief of Special Projects and Acting Chief Business Development & Strategy Officer.  “Throughout his career, and indeed the 17 years he has been at Safaricom, Joe has built a reputation as an outstanding business leader, mentor, and coach to many; qualities that we at Safaricom have benefitted greatly from. The hallmark of Joe’s career and contribution to the success of Safaricom was his absolute willingness to step into an unexpected role whenever requested, even if it meant stretching his workload tremendously. All the CEOs of Safaricom, from Michael…

Kenya’s creative industry is losing KSh92 billion annually due to online piracy as the implementation of crucial parts of the Copyright Act is delayed, an industry lobby group says.  Partners Against Piracy (PAP) says Sh15 billion is lost through pirated music, Sh32 billion is lost to pirated video content and Sh5 billion is lost from cinema. The industry loses another Sh8 billion from television, Sh29 billion from pirated books, magazines and newspapers and Sh3 billion is lost in gaming. Mike Strano, PAP Interim Convener and  MyMovies.Africa Co-Founder said in addition, piracy costs the government over Sh12.69 billion in value-added tax, Sh2.49…

Chinese smartphone maker Oppo has unveiled its Reno series; OPPO Reno7 Series in East Africa. The OPPO Reno 7 series has a fresh new design, a feature-rich operating system with tons of options for customization and personalization, and several value-added features for an improved everyday experience. The Reno7 comes packed with impressive imaging features including Bokeh Flare Portrait, Selfie HDR, AI Portrait Enhancement, and many others so that users can capture the world in stunning, professional-quality portraits. https://twitter.com/OPPOKenya/status/1515966260013641729?s=20&t=u5KK4yn96vGe4D6bCWfB5A The Reno 7 series excels in all aspects of design, performance, and experience along with offering state-of-the-art portrait photography and videography capabilities.…