Safaricom scraps night bundles, extends expiry dates

Safaricom has unveiled new data plans, responding to a public outcry that revolved around the validity periods of bundles especially those accumulated for use during off-peak hours. The telecommunications firm on Friday morning revised its three plans – daily, weekly, and monthly and 90-day data bundles, all being charged at cheaper rates. The new tariffs, effective at midnight, will also see the telco scrap the night bundles [...]

CA demands 60pc local TV content within four years

Television broadcasters have four years to increase local shows in their programming to 60 per cent, as per new regulations prepared by the Communications Authority. The Communications Authority says the rules will become applicable once a new programming code comes into force in the next few months. The regulator says the proposal to have local shows being the dominant feature on television stations is driven by the need to grow the local film industry and create more employment [...]

Westgate shopping mall set to reopen July 18

Nakumatt, the anchor tenant of the reconstructed high-end shopping complex will open its door on Saturday, July 18, during the official reopening of the Westgate Mall. Other previous occupants of the mall such as Artcaffe, a high-end coffee shop, and Ashleys Beauty Centre are also set to resume operations [...]

Athi River registers fastest land price rise in greater Nairobi

Athi River has experienced the sharpest property appreciation in the larger Nairobi over the last seven years, a report by Hass Consult has indicated. The 8.64 fold land price increase in Athi River has slightly edged out Upper Hill as the fastest appreciating property market. Suburbs in Nairobi are, however, expected to outpace satellite towns in property price appreciation and developer interest in coming months as the effect of increased interest rates begins to trickle down to the market [...]

More Japan firms open shop locally in confidence vote

Japanese companies have increased their presence in key sectors of the economy, stepping up competition for Chinese and European firms that have long dominated Kenya’s big business. The list of Japanese firms opening shop in the country has risen sharply over the past five years. The rising tide of Japanese setting up base in Kenya cements Nairobi’s position as a leading investment destination for the Far East economic power house [...]

Kenya, Tanzania invite bids to build 500km power line

Kenya and Tanzania have invited bids for the construction of a high-voltage power line connecting the two, part of efforts to meet growing demand for electricity and deepen integration of their economies. The two countries will build approximately 510km of 400 kilovolt (kV) power lines and several substations. The African Development Fund and the Japan International Cooperation Agency will provide the funding. AfDB said in February it had approved a Sh15 billion loan to fund an electricity line between Kenya and Tanzania [...]