Wrap-Up: Our pick of main stories, Tuesday May 19th, 2015

BitPesa launches remittance service in Tanzania

BitPesa, the Kenyan digital currency exchange startup, has launched its remittance service along with new features to improve User Experience (UX) in Tanzania. This move will see Tanzania become the first country the startup has expanded its international money transfer service into.

Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i defends Bomet University title deed

The controversy surrounding the title deed issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta for land for the construction of the proposed university college in Bomet yesterday took a new twist when the Government insisted that it was genuine. Acting Lands Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i dismissed as misleading and inaccurate claims by Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto that the title deed was illegal. Matiang’i said claims by the governor that the document was illegal should be ignored as due process was followed in processing the title.

Kaymu launches new app for iOS

Kaymu, an online shopping community in Kenya, has launched its mobile App on the iOS store in a bid to reach even more Consumers. The App which is all set to enhance customer experience and service, will have great features that will enable sellers to list products and buyers to select from a wide variety of products at a glance.

Cloud Lending Solutions opens Nairobi office to reach regional clients

Cloud Lending Solutions, the industry’s only end-to-end lending solution built natively on salesforce.com, has announced that it has opened a new office in Nairobi as it seeks to expand its reach in the Eastern Africa region.

Uber battles locals startups for future of African taxis

In the traffic-clogged, potholed streets of Kenya’s capital city, there is a battle waging for the future of the African taxi ride that is pitting local startups eager to become the “Uber of Kenya” against, well, Uber.

Kenya internet users spend time on social media and jobs: Reports

According to a Pew research, over half (53 percent) of internet users in Kenya use the web to look for work or apply for jobs, more than any other African country and slightly behind Bangladesh and India. Quite peculiar considering the international average for people looking for jobs online is 35 percent. Google trends confirm Pew’s research with ‘jobs’ being among the all time search terms in Kenya.

HelloFood – Bringing food to your doorstep

Are you hungry but too tired to cook? Working late and have no time to pass by your favourite restaurant? Craving some delicious lamb chops or gourmet burger and you cannot make them as good as restaurants do? Throwing a random party and there is no food to serve your guests? – HelloFood has you covered.

French phone maker sets out Kenya strategy

In September last year, Wiko Global, a French smartphone manufacturing company, launched its products in Kenya, its first market in Africa. The company — whose offerings include Wiko Goa, Sunset, Fizz Getaway and its flagship product, Highway — is in plans to launch what it says will be the slimmest phone in the market. We spoke to John Miriti, Wiko’s country manager, on his firm’s plans to take on bigger players in the industry.