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Wrap-Up: Our pick of main stories, Tuesday January 27, 2015
A day after Safaricom’s Bob Collymore responded to claims that the telco had been scamming its customers through its promotions…
A day after Safaricom’s Bob Collymore responded to claims that the telco had been scamming its customers through its promotions and promised a detailed investigation, the firm now admits #SafFunFriday online promo was compromised. Also, a week after a new ranking by the Intelligent Community Forum positioned Nairobi as the only African city to be shortlisted in the top 21 intelligent cities list, Nairobi didn’t make to the top seven “Intelligent Communities”…This and much more in our today’s news round up.
Safaricom admits #SafFunFriday online promo was compromised
Safaricom, through an official statement, yesterday replied to a blog post doing rounds on the internet, claiming that its online competitions #SafFunFriday, was rigged. The statement, released by, Nzioka Waita, Director, Corporate Affairs, Safaricom, first states that it is specifically addressing the ‘SafFunFriday’ competition.
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“We wish to address online customers complaints in relation to our recently ‘SafFunFriday’ social media promotion,” Waita’s states
The statement however clears Safaricom of any wrong doing, noting that the promotion was taken over by hackers who used ‘internet bots’.
ASUS to launch new innovations in Kenya
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ASUS will soon be introducing a series of its new innovations most of which were showcased for the first time at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2015 in Las Vegas three weeks ago, in the Kenyan market, mid this year.
Some of the new products to be introduced in the market will include Zenfone 2 smartphone, Transformer Book T300 Chi 2-in-1 laptop and a ROG G20, a gaming PC machine
The company believes that consumers will be keen of tech brands this year and will judge them according to their innovativeness as opposed to the trends that are aware of.
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“The tech products in 2015 will be geared towards application of the innovative demands of the consumers as opposed to knowledge of the trends. The products that we’ll be introducing meet this demand” said Chris Wen, ASUS Kenya Country Product Manager.
11 Kenyan, 12 South African entrepreneurs picked for 2015 Green Pioneer Accelerator program
The Green Pioneer Accelerator, a business accelerator that seeks to support social enterprises with innovative products and services mitigating the effects of climate change, has selected 11 entrepreneurs for the program in Kenya and 12 entrepreneurs for the program in South Africa.
The selected entrepreneurs were identified after a multi-phase selection process which focused on the viability of their businesses, the strength of the teams, and their potential to solve huge challenges through innovative products and creative solutions.
My1963 card holders to earn loyalty points, redeem on free rides
Cash-light fare system MY1963, now being rolled out in Eastlands by February 1, 2015 has launched a loyalty point plan – Point 63 – allowing My1963 fare card users to build up loyalty points that they can use to get free matatu rides, as part of an innovative partnership between Fibre Space and Public Service Vehicle SACCOs that is aiming to reward passengers for their business with concrete payback.
Commuters earn a point (Point 63) for every Kshs 10 they spend on fares, with a commuter who pays fares worth Sh1000 with the card guaranteed a Kshs 100 free ride.
The aim of the initiative is to cement a shift in the PSV sector, from its long-standing image as a source of extortion, to a position where it is seen to respect and appreciate its commuters.
Uber says it does not need licence to run Nairobi service
Taxi hailing app company Uber has said it is a technology firm that does not need to apply for local taxi or transportation licences to operate in Nairobi, answering rival cab operators who claim it is circumventing the law. Uber to offer free taxi rides ahead Nairobi debut
According to Business Daily, Uber sets Sh500 as lowest fare for its Nairobi cabs
Uber launched its Nairobi services last week, raising competition for local taxi firms that could see the San Francisco-based firm eat into their business.
Nairobi misses out on final ‘Intelligent Communities’ list
Nairobi has failed to make it to the next round of ‘Intelligent Communities for 2015’ competition.
The Intelligent Community Forum has finally announced the Top7 Intelligent Communities for 2015 with Nairobi failing to make the cut.
Last week it was revealed that a new ranking by the Intelligent Community Forum has positioned Nairobi as the only African city to be shortlisted in the top 21 intelligent cities list.
Finally !Kenya varsity students have till February 1 to apply for ‘Intel Student Partner’ program
Intel is calling upon Students in Kenya to apply for the Intel Student Partner Program, which is an opportunity for students to act as liaisons between Intel and their universities.
This program is designed to enable students at leading universities across the country to have the opportunity to work closely with Intel and understand Intel’s latest technologies.