By Doreen Kinja, Team Leader at Infobip Kenya

Like the rest of the world, Kenya’s business sector has been significantly affected and reshaped by the global COVID-19 pandemic, with a large portion of commercial activity shifting to the digital space as physical interactions practically ceased.

Interestingly, we are now seeing businesses mushrooming out of nowhere, and these are often companies that did not have a real strategy before but shaped their models around the pandemic.

These start-ups are thriving because they have taken up the challenge and launched entirely online, using technology to reach more customers.

Despite this accelerated digitisation, SMS is and likely to remain for some time yet, the most widely used channel for customer communication.

This is largely due to Kenya having a large proportion of feature phone users often located in remote areas, but it is also at the forefront of mobile penetration on the continent, with 4G connectivity and infrastructure that is increasing reaching these areas.

Yet, we have also seen significant uptake of chat apps such as WhatsApp by local businesses during the past year, thanks to smartphones becoming increasingly cheaper too. There is a noticeable trend toward businesses exploring alternative channels and adopting multiple channels to engage with their customers.

Now is the ideal time for companies to start adopting an omnichannel approach to customer engagement. An omnichannel solution brings an array of communication options, allowing the customer to interact with their brand over the channel of their choice.

Young population

Further strengthening the case for omnichannel adoption is the fact that Kenya has a young population, with more than 50% below the age of 30. This demographic does not want to use traditional channels such as voice to communicate with a business.

These customers are more likely to use chat apps and SMS and demand instant response.

Not only does an omnichannel approach provide customers with their choice of preferred channels, but it also allows the business to segment its client base and effectively target relevant and personalised messaging at specific groups or individuals.

This is key to offering an enhanced customer experience (CX), which remains the only true differentiator in a competitive market.

The trend towards digitisation is evident in areas such as Kenya’s microfinance sector, where thousands of different Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS) provide loans and financing for their members.

While SACCOS traditionally operated out of physical offices, most have shifted all their services online – from onboarding new members to giving out loans.

Have a strategy

Despite the many benefits, the decision of whether to adopt an omnichannel approach should not be taken lightly. Last year, with the outbreak of COVID-19, we saw many companies rushing to adopt solutions that they did not fully understand, due to a lack of planning. The same counts for omnichannel – make sure you have a strategy, and the solution supports your business objectives.

 If leveraged effectively, an omnichannel platform will not only enhance the CX but will also contribute to cost savings and add to the bottom line. A targeted and personalised promotional dialogue will bring the right products and services to the right customer, resulting in a greater return on investment for the campaign.

Another benefit is that a unified CX is the key to creating powerful human connections. As human beings, we want to have things just the way we like them. We want to be reached on our favourite channels and we don’t want to struggle to communicate. We want to chat and get instant feedback.

Effectively, businesses should look to an omnichannel platform that allows for a combination of communication channels and personalised messaging as key for a holistic approach to customer engagement and powerful human connection at scale.

The draft Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (BBI) will be introduced at the National Assembly on Thursday.

According to a communication from the National Assembly speaker Justin Muturi to Mps on Tuesday evening, the Bill will be introduced in the house for its first reading.

In the communication Muturi directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to urgently obtain sufficient copies of the Bill.

“To my mind, the urgency implied by the provision seems to be drawn from the lengthy process attached to the consideration of the Bill in terms of collection of signatures in support; verification of said signatures; public participation by the various county assemblies and ultimately approval by the assemblies,” reads part of the communication.

This comes as ODM leader Raila Odinga begins his tour of the larger Coast region to popularise the bill, all the six counties in the region have already passed the bill.

So far, 42 counties have passed the BBI Bill and three (Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Baringo) have rejected it. Uasin Gishu and Mandera county assemblies have not yet debated the bill.

Legendary reggae singer, Neville O’Riley Livingston, famously known as Bunny Wailer has died.

According to reports, he died at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston this morning. He was 73.

He was a founding member of The Wailers alongside his childhood friend, Bob Marley.

He was also the last surviving member of The Wailers, following Bob Marley's death from cancer in 1981, and Peter Tosh's murder during a robbery in 1987.

The group (The Wailers) was  formed in Trench Town during the early 1960’s. They had a number of hit songs in the ska and rocksteady eras such as Simmer Down, Lonesome Feeling and Thank You Lord.

After recording two albums, ‘Catch A Fire’ and ‘Burnin’, Wailer and Tosh left for solo careers in 1974.

Throughout his solo career, Wailer released over 10 albums. He won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1991 for the album Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley, 1995 for Crucial! Roots Classics, and 1997 for Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley’s 50th Anniversary.

In 2012, Bunny Wailer received Jamaica’s fifth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica. Five years later, in 2017, he was awarded the Order of Merit by the Jamaican government, the nation’s fourth-highest honour.

Amapiano fans were treated to an unforgettable concert over the weekend by The Kings of Amapiano - Scorpion Kings duo DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small at the Carnivore grounds. 

The drive in event that started at 12noon saw revelers enjoy Amapiano vibes from Malonza, DJ Protégé, MGM, DJ Ally Fresh, DJ IV, Shema Dj and the stars of the afternoon Scorpion Kings. 

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party leader Raila Odinga has today (Monday) commenced his six day tour of the larger Coast region to popularise the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Raila landed at the Voi airstrip where he was received by Taita Taveta county Governor Granton Samboja, Voi Mp Jones Mlolwa among other leaders before heading to the Voi Wildlife hotel for a private meeting with the county leaders.

He will spend two days in Taita Taveta before heading to Kilifi county Wednesday.

On Thursday, the former Prime Minister will be in Mombasa county and is expected to visit all the six constituencies before heading to Kwale county.

His tour comes just weeks after that of his political rival Deputy President William Ruto who toured Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties campaigning against the BBI.

The tour also comes at a time when some leaders from the region within ODM have been advocating for the formation of a Coast political party. Among those who have been on the forefront advocating for the Coast party is Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has however maintained that he seek an ODM ticket to run for the presidency in 2011.

Last week, ODM extended the deadline for submission of applications by individuals who wish to be the party’s presidential candidate by one month.

“Further to the notice of the National Elections Board (NEB) of 21st January 2021 calling for the submission of applications by individuals interested in consideration as the ODM Party presidential candidate for the 2022 general elections, this is to extend the deadline for the submission of applications from 26th of February 2021 to 31st March 2021,” reads the statement from ODM.

Nigerian Afro Pop superstar Kizz Daniel has released “Flex” - a brand new single & video.

The Afrobeat delight is layered over monstrous instrumentation and complemented by intoxicating brass, melodious saxophone and powerful trumpets. The thumping single produced by award-winning record producer DJ Coublon is a befitting homage to Fela Kuti.

The single is an Afrobeat delight, with its video perfectly capturing the fun-loving and spirited nature of Nigeria’s vibrant party scene.

Download/stream “Flex”: https://smarturl.it/KizzDaniel.Flex

“Flex” Official Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7akR7AEAxg

“Flex” Lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onmAr3jNz1I

The stunning black and white video, directed by The Alien, captivates the life and times of a popular nightclub that hosted performances from the Afrobeat icon famed for brisk and exhilarating dance tunes.

Kizz Daniel previously worked with the seasoned producer (DJ Coublon) on several singles including ‘’Duro’’ off his debut album NEW ERA and the mega remix to his hit single ‘’Woju’’ featuring Afrobeat superstars Davido and Tiwa Savage.

Kizz has kicked off what promises to be a good year in music with the feel-good anthem reminiscent of sounds from his sophomore 2018 album ‘No Bad Songz’, and a follow up to the success of his most recent ‘King Of Love’ 2020 album.

Tanzanian singer AliKiba and his Kenyan wife Amina Khalef are expecting their second child.

According to a source close to the pair, Amina is due in the next four months.

"She is now five months pregnant, they have been trying to keep this out of the public" said the source.

Adding "If you are keen and following Amina on social media, she has not been posting recent photos of herself on social media".

This will be their second child, and fourth to Alikiba who has three other children with different baby mamas.

The two welcomed their first child, a boy early 2019, eight months after their wedding in Mombasa.

Mombasa Governor Hassan joho was among those who attended the reception held in Daresalaam.

Simba Corp has officially launched sales of the locally assembled Proton Saga saloon car. 

Speaking at the Proton Saga Media launch event held at Aspire Centre, Westlands, Simba Corporation Group CEO, Dinesh Kotecha said, “We look forward to having the Proton Saga and indeed the Proton brand take the Kenyan market by storm because we believe that this is a solution that our customers have been waiting for and we have finally delivered.” 

The Proton Saga is  locally assembled at the Associated Vehicle Assemblers plant in Mombasa. It comes with a 5 year, 150,000KM warranty.

Simba Corp has partnered with bank partners to make it easier for their customers to own this zero-mileage, high-value car. The Proton Saga also comes with a 4 star NCAP safety rating and will have over 50 service locations nationwide. 

Simba Corporation Executive Chairman, Adil Popat said, “The launch of the Proton Saga demonstrates how a positive partnership between the government, private sector and all industry stakeholders can deliver solutions whose impact will be felt by consumers at all levels of the Kenyan economy.” 

In his address, the Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development, Lawrence Karanja, said "We celebrate this growth and development in the manufacturing sector in Kenya in a bid to achieve Vision 2030. The government’s mission is to make Kenya a regional hub for automotive assembly and manufacture."

Adding "As a government we are supporting the industry by being committed to buying locally assembled vehicles because we believe in Buy Kenya and Build Kenya as this creates employment, skills development and transfer for our youth, research and development as well as promoting environmental protection.” 

on his part Kenya Auto Bazaar Association (K.A.B.A) Chairman, Major (Rtd) John Kipchumba said, “We don't import because we love used cars, we do it due to the demand. We are looking for affordable vehicles that are fuel-efficient and new, with zero (0) mileage, and the Proton Saga has come to address this.” 

“We have the utmost confidence that Proton will transform the automotive market and the lives of our consumers. The 5-year warranty, attractive financing options, safety features, aftersales network, all, for a brand new zero-mileage car that is assembled locally is an unbeatable deal.” said Simba Corporation Motor Division Managing Director, Naresh Leekha

Proton joins the growing list of globally renowned automotive brands that have chosen Kenya as their home and are being assembled by AVA in Mombasa.  During the Mombasa launch held in  

December 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta, President Kenyatta officially launched the car in Mombasa 

This vehicle is assembled at Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) in Mombasa which is also fully owned by Simba Corporation.  

TuneCore, the leading digital music distribution and publishing administration company for independent artists, has launched operations in Africa.

Jade Leaf has been hired as Head of TuneCore for Southern Africa and will share responsibility for key countries in East Africa with Chioma Onuchukwu, who has been hired as Head of TuneCore for West Africa.

Both Leaf and Onuchukwu will report to Faryal Khan-Thompson, Vice President, International, TuneCore.

Onuchukwu will be based in Nigeria and oversee countries in West Africa including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

She will also look after Tanzania and Ethiopia in East Africa.

Leaf’s territory encompasses Southern Africa, including South Africa, where she will be based, as well as Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Lesotho.

Leaf will also manage TuneCore operations in East African countries Kenya and Uganda.

 Onuchukwu said "I am elated to be joining a renowned, independent music distribution powerhouse, especially in an incredible era for music creators in Africa at a time when we are gaining global recognition and increasing momentum. I look forward to collaborating with and supporting local artists."

Before joining TuneCore, Onuchukwu was Marketing Manager at uduX Music, a music streaming platform in Nigeria. There she worked directly with popular African artists such as Davido, Yemi Alade, Patoranking, Kizz Daniel and more. 

On her part Leaf said “I am incredibly excited to join the team in a time where the global conversation is around independence and ownership. TuneCore opens up a world of potential for independent artists at every level of their careers. Africa is home to a diverse range of artists who are seeking a reliable distribution service who understands their local needs and can ultimately give them the opportunity to turn their art into commercial success.”

Previously, Leaf worked at Africa’s largest Pay TV operator, Multichoice as the Marketing Manager for Youth & Music Channels, where she led brand re-imaging and marketing efforts for Music TV giant Channel O.

Before that, she worked at Sony Music Entertainment Africa, focusing on African artists and content, as well as numerous marketing campaigns & projects for local and international artists.

There has been a meteoric rise in the uptake of streaming services in Africa, the growth has been attributed to several factors such as an increase in internet penetration via smartphones, the entrance of international and local streaming platforms in key territories and its youth population. More than 60% of African’s are under the age of 25.

In 2020, TuneCore saw an increase in music releases globally, with many African artists opting to use the DIY Distributor Kofi Mole from Ghana and Small Doctor in Nigeria, Spoegwolf in South Africa, Mpho Sebina in Botswana and Fena Gitu in Kenya to name a few.

Khan-Thompson notes “Africa is an extremely exciting music market with a lot of potential for growth. By hiring Jade and Chioma to lead our efforts, TuneCore is well positioned to maximize opportunities for independent artists across the continent. Both Chioma and Jade bring a wealth of experience and genuine interest in helping artists make their dreams come true. ”

TuneCore, owned by Paris-based Believe, has been aggressively expanding its international operations, having gone from 5 countries in 2020 to 8 countries and 3 major regions in 2021. The company added India, Russia and Brazil last year and this year adds LATAM, Southeast Asia and Africa.

The company’s website is fully localized for 8 countries and translated into 13 languages and counting.