Tech Trends KE
TechTrendsKE is a leading Kenyan news blog that covers technology and business trends, product and service reviews in Kenya and across Africa.
May 20, 2026 at 05:23PM
Checker, a global infrastructure network for digital asset markets, has closed an $8 million funding round to accelerate stablecoin-powered financial services across Africa and other emerging markets. The round was led by Al Mada Ventures, the investment arm of Morocco’s sovereign wealth fund and parent of Attijariwafa Bank, one of Africa’s largest banking groups. Galaxy …
The post Checker Raises $8M to Build Stablecoin Liquidity Infrastructure for African Banks and Neobanks appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:09PM
PayPal has announced the rollout of its dollar-backed stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), to users across 70 markets worldwide, including markets across Africa, marking a significant push by the payments giant to embed stablecoin infrastructure into mainstream commerce. The expansion, announced on Tuesday, makes PYUSD available directly within the PayPal account, allowing users to buy, hold, …
The post PayPal Brings Its Dollar-Backed Stablecoin to 70 Markets, Including Africa appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:47AM
Bolt has started rolling out electric ride-hailing services in Cape Town, opening a new phase in the company’s African expansion as competition between transport platforms increasingly turns toward vehicle operating costs and fleet control. The launch introduces a dedicated EV category inside the Bolt app for South African passengers. The company says 500 electric vehicles …
The post Bolt’s Electric Taxi Rollout in Cape Town Opens a New Front in South Africa’s Ride-Hailing Market appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:41AM
The Kenya Revenue Authority says it has collected Sh7.8 billion from 97,000 individuals and businesses that had not previously paid direct taxes, giving the agency fresh revenue as the government avoids another round of politically difficult tax increases. The disclosure from the Kenya Revenue Authority offers a clearer picture of where Nairobi is now searching …
The post KRA Finds New Revenue Stream in First-Time Taxpayers appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:34AM
Sending money from one bank to another in Kenya is becoming significantly cheaper after a group of lenders agreed to reduce Pesalink transfer charges in a bid to attract more everyday payment activity onto banking channels. Customers using the new pricing arrangement will pay nothing for transfers below Sh1,000, while larger transactions up to Sh999,999 …
The post Pesalink Transfers Get Cheaper as Banks Chase Everyday Usage appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:33AM
Africa’s long expansion in mobile money services is creating the foundation for a broader digital finance system, according to Ralph Mupita, who says the continent is entering a new stage shaped by smartphone adoption, cross-border payments and more integrated financial platforms. Speaking on the sidelines of the 3i Africa Summit in Accra, the MTN Group …
The post MTN CEO Says Africa’s Digital Payments Push Is Starting to Stretch Across Borders appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:27AM
Kenya Airways has introduced a new AI-driven pricing platform aimed at improving how the airline adjusts fares across its network, as carriers face growing pressure to respond faster to demand changes and pricing competition. The airline said on Tuesday that it had integrated Jupiter 5.0, a pricing and revenue management system developed by FlyNava Technologies, …
The post Kenya Airways Is Bringing AI Into the Way It Prices Flights appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:22AM
Google is widening the role of its paid AI subscriptions beyond chatbot access and cloud storage, adding YouTube Premium Lite to its Google AI Pro plan(KES 3,700/mo) in Kenya as part of a broader restructuring unveiled during Google I/O 2026. The Kenyan rollout places the country inside a larger subscription expansion where Google is packaging …
The post Google Expands AI Pro YouTube Bundle to Kenya appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:15AM
Google is expanding Android beyond the smartphone with Android 17, introducing a wave of consumer-facing features built around AI assistance, tighter privacy controls and task continuity between devices connected to the same Google account. The software update, presented during Google I/O 2026 developer sessions, places heavy emphasis on cross-device experiences as Android stretches across tablets, …
The post Android 17 Starts Closing Android’s Cross-Device Gap With Continue On appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:13AM
Internet traffic inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo will now move through multiple exchange locations in Kinshasa after the Africa Congo Internet Exchange extended operations into another data center facility, widening the country’s domestic interconnection capacity at a time when African operators are under pressure to keep more data within regional networks. The expansion …
The post DRC Adds Second ACIX Site as Local Internet Routing Push Grows appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:10AM
A legal dispute has surfaced over the appointment of former Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed as commissioner general of the Kenya Revenue Authority, placing the agency’s leadership transition under court scrutiny days after the Treasury confirmed him for the role. The petition, filed at the Milimani High Court in Nairobi, seeks to stop implementation of the …
The post A Court Petition Lands Just After Adan Mohamed’s Move to KRA appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:04AM
Google used its I/O 2026 developer conference to outline a broader redesign of how people interact with Workspace, moving beyond typed prompts toward continuous voice-driven AI assistance across documents, notes, email, and search. The company introduced Docs Live, Gmail Live, and new voice organization tools inside Google Keep as part of a wider Gemini expansion …
The post Google’s New Workspace Push Is Really About Conversational Computing appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 05:00AM
Google is restructuring Search around artificial intelligence, replacing the familiar pattern of keyword queries and ranked links with persistent AI agents, conversational responses, and interactive tools that continue working long after a user leaves the search page. The changes, announced during Google I/O 2026, mark the company’s biggest overhaul of Search in more than 25 …
The post Google’s New Search Wants to Do More Than Point You to Links appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 04:58AM
Social media platform TikTok said on Tuesday that it removed 820,552 videos in Kenya during the fourth quarter of 2025 for violating its Community Guidelines. The company has disclosed this in its latest transparency report, with nearly all of the content flagged and taken down before any user reported it. According to the Q4 2025 …
The post TikTok Removes Over 820,000 Videos in Kenya in Q4 2025 Amid Push for Safer Online Community appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 04:52AM
The AI Skills and Compute Africa Foundation (AISCA Foundation) has officially launched in Kigali, marking a significant step toward strengthening Africa’s artificial intelligence ecosystem. The Foundation is focused on removing barriers to innovation by expanding access to computing resources, supporting research, developing AI skills, and building stronger communities. With seed backing from the founding technology …
The post New AI Skills and Compute Africa Foundation Launches in Kigali to Boost Africa’s AI Ecosystem appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 04:48AM
Kenya Airways has adopted Jupiter 5.0, an AI-powered pricing platform developed by FlyNava Technologies, in a move aimed at advancing fare competitiveness, speeding up fare updates, and ensuring more consistent pricing for customers. The system enables the airline to respond more quickly to market changes and enhance its pricing decision-making process, ultimately delivering better value, …
The post Kenya Airways Deploys AI Platform to Optimize Ticket Pricing appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 04:43AM
Equity Group Holdings posted a 24 percent rise in first-quarter profit after tax to KSh19.1 billion, the Nairobi-listed lender said Tuesday, as improving asset quality and a deepening digital shift drove one of its strongest quarterly performances in recent years. The group’s balance sheet expanded 16 percent to KSh2.04 trillion, with customer deposits up 13 …
The post Equity Group Profit Jumps 24% to KSh19.1bn in Q1 appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 20, 2026 at 04:35AM
At AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya, taking place from 19–21 May, global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky highlighted the evolving threat landscape in Kenya and the wider East Africa region. The company warned that the rapid growth and adoption of artificial intelligence are driving innovation while also introducing new cyber risks for businesses and individual users. …
The post Kaspersky Warns of Rising AI-Powered Cyber Threats at AI Everything Kenya x GITEX appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 06:28PM
A Kenyan startup will this week attempt to run production-grade artificial intelligence on a US$5 server, one of several homegrown ventures competing for investor attention as East Africa’s largest technology event opens in Nairobi on Tuesday. AI EVERYTHING KENYA X GITEX KENYA 2026 runs 20–21 May at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, drawing more than …
The post Startups Bring US$5 Server Intelligence and Sign Language Tech to GITEX Nairobi appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 06:02PM
I’ve been following Kenya’s tech landscape for three years now, and betting platforms have become one of the most fascinating examples of how digital payments infrastructure evolves in real-world conditions. Walk around Nairobi and you’ll notice mobile money integration has moved past being just another feature—it’s the fundamental entry requirement. In late 2024, betting platforms …
The post How Kenya’s Betting Industry Became a Testing Ground for Africa’s Digital Finance Future appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 05:56PM
I’ve been tracking Kenya’s betting scene for 18 months, and the speed of change has caught me off guard. Mobile apps pull in 73% of all sports wagers in the country these days, according to industry reports. Back in early 2024, that figure sat around 51%. I talked to 47 regular bettors over a few …
The post Why Mobile Betting Apps Are Changing How Kenyans Place Wagers in 2026 appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 01:59PM
Ride-hailing drivers, matatu operators and other transport players resumed operations on Tuesday after industry representatives secured a temporary truce with the government following hours of talks in Nairobi. The agreement pauses the nationwide transport strike for seven days, creating room for negotiations between state officials and operators from both the public service vehicle sector and …
The post Digital Cab Operators Return to the Roads as Kenya Pauses Transport Strike appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 01:25PM
As Kenya prepares to host the first-ever GITEX Kenya 2026 in Nairobi from 19th to 21st May, the conversation is moving beyond digital ambition to a harder business question: how secure is the technology growth now being built across the region? That question sits at the centre of Censys’ participation at the conference, where the …
The post Censys and EVAD to Showcase SOC Modernization Platform in Nairobi appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 01:18PM
A new pool of institutional money is being directed toward African technology investors after Africa Finance Corporation approved a commitment worth as much as $100 million for venture and growth-stage funds operating across the continent. The financing programme is aimed at increasing the amount of long-duration capital available to technology businesses as digital adoption deepens …
The post AFC Is Putting $100 Million Behind Africa’s Growing Tech Fund Market appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 12:50PM
Airtel Uganda has started testing Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite network days after Ugandan regulators granted the satellite operator provisional approval to operate in the country. The tests mark the latest step in Airtel Africa’s wider partnership with SpaceX to expand satellite-backed mobile connectivity across 14 African markets. The initiative is designed to allow standard smartphones to …
The post Uganda Opens the Door to Starlink as Airtel Starts Direct-to-Cell Trials appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 10:26AM
Financial markets tend not to be random. Usually, there is a reason behind the sudden shift in prices, which might be an economic indicator. Knowledge of which factors to watch out for is as essential as having knowledge of trading strategies. Missing one important factor may lead to misunderstandings. Let’s see which economic indicators are …
The post Key Economic Events Moving Markets appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 05:42AM
MultiChoice Kenya has launched a consumer campaign ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cutting hardware prices and bundling subscription offers in a push to deepen its reach among Kenyan football fans before the tournament kicks off next month. The “Everything Can Wait” campaign, unveiled in Nairobi, is built around DStv and GOtv coverage of …
The post MultiChoice Drops Decoder Prices as it Bids for Kenya’s World Cup Audience appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 05:29AM
INTERPOL has concluded a large-scale cybercrime operation across the Middle East and North Africa, resulting in 201 arrests and the identification of 382 further suspects, with threat intelligence from Kaspersky playing a central role in the crackdown. Operation Ramz, which ran from October 2025 to February 2026 across 13 countries, targeted phishing networks, malware distribution …
The post INTERPOL Arrests 201 in MENA Cybercrime Sweep Backed by Kaspersky Intelligence appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 05:09AM
Visa has announced the launch of a new white paper titled Privacy and Security for Women-Led SMBs in Digital Financial Services, which explores how women entrepreneurs perceive digital privacy and security risks and how these perceptions influence trust, adoption, and continued use of digital financial services. Developed under the Digital Finance for All (DFA) initiative, …
The post Visa Launches White Paper on Privacy and Security Challenges Facing Women-Led SMBs appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 19, 2026 at 04:56AM
Nairobi is shifting from passive consumption to active creation. This evolution was on full display during the recently concluded Samsung Galaxy Hangout, a high-energy, community-centric event that proved Samsung’s latest innovation isn’t just about hardware, it’s about belonging. With the launch of the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57, Samsung is issuing a bold invitation to …
The post Samsung’s Galaxy Hangout Empowers Nairobi’s New Wave of Creators appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 18, 2026 at 03:37PM
Kenya’s High Court has temporarily halted the government’s planned sale of a 15 percent stake in Safaricom to Vodacom Group, pushing a major corporate transaction into a wider constitutional dispute over control of the country’s digital infrastructure. The proposed transaction would reduce the State’s holding in Safaricom from 35 percent to 20 percent while increasing …
The post Kenya’s High Court Has Slowed Vodacom’s Push for Safaricom appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 18, 2026 at 10:06AM
Fresh state funding for the Hustler Fund will end in the next budget cycle after the National Treasury removed the programme from planned development spending, closing a major financing chapter for one of President William Ruto’s signature economic projects. Budget projections before Parliament show no allocation for the Financial Inclusion Fund from July 2026 onward, …
The post Kenya Cuts Fresh Funding to the Hustler Fund After Four Years appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 18, 2026 at 09:44AM
A new long-term operating permit from Kenya’s telecom regulator pushed Safaricom Plc higher into licence spending during the year ended March 2026, with related costs reaching Sh16.38 billion. The increase came as the Communications Authority of Kenya approved a 25-year authorisation for the mobile operator under the country’s Unified Licensing Framework. The company had booked …
The post Safaricom Gets 25-Year Operating Approval Under Revised CA Framework appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 18, 2026 at 08:52AM
The proposed acquisition of NCBA Group by Nedbank Group has opened a broader debate inside Kenya’s capital markets over how major investors position themselves during takeover negotiations. Attention has turned to a set of transactions completed in the weeks leading up to the public announcement of the deal. Regulatory disclosures linked to the offer show …
The post NCBA Share Trades Made Ahead of Nedbank’s Bid Are Drawing Attention appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 18, 2026 at 06:47AM
Absa Bank Kenya PLC has been recognised as the Best Retail Bank in Kenya by the Global Banking and Finance Review 2026, reflecting the bank’s continued investment in customer experience, digital innovation and segment-led banking solutions. This recognition underscores the bank’s strategic transition from a traditional product-led banking model to a customer segment-led approach aimed …
The post Absa Kenya Wins Best Retail Bank Award as Digital Banking Growth Accelerates appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 18, 2026 at 06:11AM
Safaricom has hosted the Spark Accelerator Program Demo Day, with nine startups pitching their businesses to leading investors and venture capital firms. Launched in 2024 after the restructuring of the Spark Fund, the Spark Accelerator programme was created to support visionary entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale their businesses. This initiative aligns with Safaricom’s mission …
The post Safaricom Hosts Spark Accelerator Demo Day To Support Innovation and Technology appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 18, 2026 at 05:12AM
TECNO has released a commissioned study by technology research firm Omdia arguing that localised artificial intelligence built for African infrastructure constraints, not global cloud-dependent models, is the most viable path to mass-market digital inclusion on the continent. The report, AI Roadmap for Smartphone Vendors in Africa’s Emerging Markets, centres on TECNO’s edge-first architecture, which runs …
The post TECNO AI identified as Digital Economy Catalyst in Omdia Report appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 17, 2026 at 08:08AM
In Kenya’s older tax structure, the easiest people to monitor were salaried workers and registered companies with fixed addresses, accounting departments and visible supply chains. That model is under pressure from a commercial environment increasingly built around mobile money, informal retail networks and businesses operating through smartphones instead of storefronts. The Kenya Revenue Authority is …
The post How KRA Is Using Technology to Pull Informal Traders Into the Tax Net appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 17, 2026 at 07:49AM
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G to the Kenyan market, which extend several of its flagship AI and software support features into the company’s midrange lineup. The launch arrived as smartphone companies now focus on competing on software longevity, creator tools, and financing flexibility instead of pure specs alone. …
The post Samsung Brings the Galaxy A57 and A37 Into a More AI-Driven Midrange Market appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 16, 2026 at 10:49AM
For years, Kenya’s development agenda has been defined by infrastructure built to move people and goods faster across the country: highways, rail corridors, ports and logistics links designed to support trade and urban growth. The government’s nuclear push in Siaya is increasingly being framed as something different. This time, the argument is about building the …
The post Kenya’s Siaya Nuclear Plan Is Turning Into a Debate About the Country’s Industrial Future appeared first on TechTrendsKE.
May 16, 2026 at 10:40AM
Across Kenya and Nigeria, many small businesses no longer begin with a website, a storefront, or even a marketplace listing. They begin with a phone contact, a WhatsApp Status update, and a trusted network already built through family, community, and repeat customers. New research examining women’s livelihoods across Kenya, Nigeria, India, and Pakistan estimates that …
The post African Women Are Building Businesses Through WhatsApp appeared first on TechTrendsKE.