In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I sit down with Anuj Tanna, Co-Founder and CEO of MESH, for a deep dive into the platform that is fuelling Kenya's vibrant hustle economy. Anuj shares the foundational insights from his time at Telkom Kenya that led him to see the informal economy not as a problem to be fixed, but as a powerful engine to be supported. We discuss the specific product mechanics, business model, and future vision for the platform serving over 1 million young entrepreneurs. This is a must watch or listen for anyone in technology, finance, and social impact in Kenya and Africa.In this episode, we discuss:(02:45) The key lessons from Telkom Kenya that became the seed for MESH.(10:30) Why "identity" is the biggest lever for income growth, not the biggest barrier.(15:32) How MESH's UI/UX is architected to shift a user's identity from "unemployed" to "entrepreneur."(21:12) The "Jungle Gym" model: Why peer-to-peer learning from someone "two steps ahead" beats formal courses.(26:19) The future of MESH: Using generative AI to create a personal business coach in Sheng and Swahili.(29:59) The "Wraparound Experience": A groundbreaking, three-pillar strategy to make trust "bankable" and unlock credit.(36:51) The MESH Business Model: How the platform stays free for users by partnering with corporates.(49:36) Overcoming resistance and changing the mindset from "formalizing" to "fuelling" the informal economy.Enjoyed this?👍 Like the podcast💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Kenya's and Africa's digital transformation.#PureDigitalPassion #MESH #AnujTanna #MosesKemibaro #HustleEconomy #Kenya #Africa #Technology #Startups
Tired of shocking data roaming bills after your travels? The eSIM revolution is here to put an end to that. In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I sit down with Mandeep Birdi, CEO of RoamBuddy, and Peter Lubia, CEO of Flexicom Enterprises, to unpack how eSIM technology is making global connectivity affordable and seamless for travelers from Kenya and across Africa.We dive deep into their groundbreaking partnership and the landmark deal with Kenya Airways to launch the KQ Safari Data plan. This is a conversation about the end of the physical SIM card and the future of mobile connectivity.In this episode, we cover:(01:53) What is an eSIM? Mandeep Birdi explains the fundamentals of this 100% digital SIM and how it's installed.(03:33) Apple's Big Move: How the new eSIM-only iPhones are accelerating the global shift away from physical SIM cards.(05:55) A Practical Guide: Peter Lubia walks through the simple, step-by-step process of getting an eSIM before you travel.(08:09) The Global-Local Partnership: We break down the innovative model between RoamBuddy and Flexicom that's bringing this technology to Kenya.(11:12) Benefits Beyond Travel: Exploring the enhanced security, flexibility, and environmental advantages of eSIMs.(21:57) Africa's eSIM Opportunity: Why the continent is a fertile ground for this technology, leapfrogging legacy systems.(31:20) The Inside Story: How the landmark partnership with Kenya Airways to launch KQ Safari Data came to be.(35:24) Solving Corporate Travel: A look at the enterprise solutions that eliminate the nightmare of roaming expenses for businesses.(47:24) How to Get Connected: A clear call to action for individual travelers and businesses who want to start using or partnering on eSIMs.(56:18) The Future of Connectivity: Will the physical SIM card become a museum artifact? Our guests share their predictions.Connect with our guests:RoamBuddy: https://www.roambuddy.worldFlexicom Enterprises: https://esim.flexicom.co.keKQ Safari Data: https://www.kqsafaridata.com
In this episode, I sit down with Russell Southwood, CEO of Balancing Act and author of Africa 2.0 and the Africa Interconnection Report 2025, to unpack 20+ years of telecoms, internet, data centres, AI, and policy across the continent. We go from Celtel and M-PESA to today’s cloud & AI wave—and the human and cultural factors that make (or break) adoption.
Chapters
00:00 Intro01:30 Russell’s origin story (SOAS, Kenya at 7, early digital influences)07:18 Founding Balancing Act & the weekly Africa telecoms newsletter10:33 Lessons from the books (Less Walk, More Talk; Africa 2.0)17:53 E-commerce’s long runway & the digital divide (2G ↔ smartphones)21:28 Extending rural coverage (AMN, iSat, Vanu, Neuron & more)27:22 Data centers, cloud & AI — key takeaways from the Interconnection Report33:29 OTT regulation: innovation vs. control, free speech, shutdowns37:26 Broadband today, cable resilience & the rise of home internet40:45 Startups that last: solving real problems, not just raising rounds43:51 Government, talent & delivery (why execution matters)45:23 Looking ahead: energy constraints, AI realism & practical optimism53:20 Closing
What you’ll learn
Why data centres are reshaping the ecosystem (IXPs, neutrality, sovereignty)
How to balance OTT regulation without stifling free speech or innovation
The real blockers: literacy, energy, policy capture—and what’s changing
How enduring African startups think about users, utility, and scale
About Russell Southwood
CEO, Balancing Act. Veteran analyst of African telecoms, internet & media. Author of Africa 2.0, Less Walk, More Talk, and lead author of the Africa Interconnection Report 2025.
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In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I got an exclusive preview of the landmark 25th Annual PAMRO Media Research Conference, which returns to Nairobi after a 16-year hiatus.
I was joined by two industry titans and key members of the conference organizing committee: Joe Otin (CEO, The Collective & Former PAMRO President) and Maggie Ireri (CEO, TIFA Research). They discussed the critical theme of "Trust and Truth" in today's media landscape, sharing their personal journeys with PAMRO and unpacking why this event is the most important gathering for media owners, marketers, agencies, and researchers in Africa this year.
Key topics include:
Why "Trust and Truth" is the industry's most urgent conversation in the age of AI.
The direct link between media research, advertising spend, and commercial success.
The future of media measurement and the challenge of Big Tech.
An inside look at the high-level speakers, panels, and networking opportunities.
This is your ultimate guide to understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the African media industry today.
Just a few slots remain for the conference! Do not miss the opportunity to join this conversation and enjoy the experience.
Register for the PAMRO 2025 Conference (Sept 14th to 16th, Nairobi): https://pamro.org/pamro-25th-annual-conference/
For Further Information:Contact PAMRO 2025 on +254 722 675 908
In this episode of Pure Digital Passion, I speak with Fahrettin Oylum, the Co-Founder of Teknopalas and senior executive at Doğuş Teknoloji—two technology leaders from Turkey that are bringing their bold, future-focused vision of IoT and RFID transformation to Kenya and the wider African region.
Teknopalas has been at the cutting edge of UHF RFID and IoT since 2005. Fahrettin walks us through their innovation journey, including:
✅ Being one of the first 50 IoT companies globally, and the first in Turkey
✅ Launching patented solutions like the UHF RFID library system and real-time IoT vehicle protocols
✅ Building RFIDMarket.com, the largest IoT hardware marketplace globally
✅ Developing their unified, cloud-native IoT platform integrating RFID, Bluetooth, Lora, and more
But this is more than just a technology story. It’s about digital transformation with impact. Teknopalas and Doğuş Teknoloji, in partnership with Techmind Global, are setting their sights on Kenya as a strategic hub for deploying industry-ready IoT solutions—backed by 20+ years of engineering, R&D, and real-world execution.
We also preview what’s coming at the IoT Summit Nairobi on 19th June 2025, including:
✅ Real-world IoT use cases in healthcare, logistics, and agriculture
✅ A live virtual tour of the RFID IoT Experience Center
✅ Demonstrations of data-driven platforms powered by AI & machine learning
✅ A vision for Africa-Turkey technology collaboration focused on sustainability and ecosystem growth
If you're in business, government, or technology — and want to understand how IoT will reshape Kenya's and Africa’s industries—this is your front-row seat to the future of IoT.
In this episode, I take you through my latest experiment with NotebookLM, converting my recent blog post, An In-Depth Analysis of Safaricom Kenya’s FY25 Business Performance, into a Kiswahili audio overview.
This podcast delves into Safaricom’s financial highlights, strategic initiatives, and market performance over the past year, offering insights into the company’s growth trajectory and its impact on the broader digital economy in Kenya.
This experiment demonstrates how AI can make complex financial data more accessible to Kiswahili-speaking audiences, reflecting the potential for AI tools like NotebookLM to bridge language gaps and expand the reach of digital content.
In this episode, I share my first experiment using NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered research and note-taking tool, to create a Kiswahili audio overview of my blog post, 30 Key Takeaways from Kenya’s Just Released National AI Strategy 2025-2030.
This podcast explores the key takeaways from the Kenyan government’s ambitious AI strategy, including its KES 152 billion investment plan, and why this matters for the country’s digital future.
By converting the original English text into Kiswahili, this overview aims to make the insights more accessible to a broader audience, particularly in East, Central, and Southern Africa where Kiswahili is widely spoken.
On the sidelines of the Zaumu launch yesterday, I finally met Anne Muhia in person — someone I had been introduced to virtually through a mutual friend a year or two ago. Life and packed schedules meant we never got to collaborate but meeting Anne was everything I expected — and more!
For context, Zaumu is a newly launched Pan-African, creator-first digital marketplace designed to transform how brands and content creators collaborate. True to its Kiswahili name meaning "for the people," Zaumu puts creators at the centre, offering transparent job listings, milestone-based payments, enforceable contracts, direct brand communication, and AI-powered campaign management.
Naturally, I couldn’t let the moment with Anne slip away. I did what I call a 'gangster podcast' — pulling out my phone and recording a raw, authentic conversation for my podcast, Pure Digital Passion. No studio, no fancy gear — just two creators talking entrepreneurship and digital storytelling.
Anne’s Journey: From The C-Suite To TikTok
Anne’s story is both improbable and inspiring. A former Group Head of Finance, she left corporate life in 2016 to build her own business. Like many entrepreneurs, she expected the transition to be relatively smooth. Reality hit differently!
Building a business was far tougher than anticipated. Anne struggled with finding the right product-market fit, redefining her identity beyond accounting, and navigating self-doubt.
Then in 2022, stuck in traffic, Anne recorded her first TikTok video — a candid story about dealing with employee theft. She posted it and switched off her phone. When she checked later, she found thousands of views and overwhelming engagement.
Building a Community One Authentic (and Often Hilarious) TikTok at a Time!
From that first post, Anne committed to posting at least one TikTok video a week. Often, she recorded and edited late into the night after work and family duties.
Her real magic? Her storytelling style:
Her videos are anecdotal, humorous, and profoundly relatable. Anne doesn’t preach — she shares, often using self-deprecating humour and everyday experiences to deliver deep entrepreneurial lessons.
In a space often dominated by polished, jargon-heavy content, Anne’s refreshing, light-hearted yet insightful approach has built a loyal community.
Today, her TikTok account "Unprepared to Entrepreneur" has grown to over 35,000 highly engaged followers.
Beyond regular videos, Anne hosts "Friday Night Live" sessions every Friday at 8:30 PM, tackling practical entrepreneurship topics, often with guest entrepreneurs joining live.
She’s also expanded to YouTube, hosting rich conversations with entrepreneurs like Sam Wanyoike from All My Laundry — stories that have led to real-world mentorship and business results.
The Business of Content Creation
Anne’s content isn’t just about building influence — it’s about creating real impact.
Through TikTok and YouTube, Anne now supports paid consulting work, online training programs, and her broader entrepreneurial ventures.
As we discussed during the podcast, content has become the lifeblood of business growth. Without her consistent storytelling, Anne notes many of her best opportunities wouldn’t exist.
It’s a model that extends beyond TikTok: Authentic storytelling, delivered consistently and with real value, builds trust, opens doors, and drives sustainable success.
As many still dismiss TikTok as a dance-and-meme platform, Anne’s success — and Zaumu’s numbers (TikTok now has over 5.6 million monthly active users in Kenya and over 10 million users overall) — proves there’s a massive, hungry audience for serious, thought-provoking content.
Why Anne’s Story Matters
Anne’s improbable journey from CFO to TikTok business content creator is a testament to one thing: authenticity wins.
Her success isn’t built on gimmicks or overnight fame. It’s built on showing up consistently, sharing the real, messy parts of entrepreneurship, and connecting through humor and humanity.
Yesterday, I attended the launch of Zaumu — a digital platform designed to reshape how content creators and brands collaborate, starting from Kenya but built for a Pan-African future.
The event, hosted in Nairobi, featured a keynote by Cedric Nzomo, Zaumu’s Co-Founder, that felt more like an open letter to creators — a powerful and candid reflection on the challenges creators face and why Zaumu could mark a critical turning point.
The Persistent Struggle of Being a Creator
Cedric shared his journey from 2006, running one of the world’s largest Hip Hop blogs yet earning under US$1,000 over two years. Despite achieving global impact, brands offered "exposure," "access," or commissions — rarely real income. Even today, creators remain undervalued, despite better platforms and a booming digital culture across Africa.
As Cedric said, "First, for us, is not a sales gimmick. It’s been our mission for over 20 years."
What Makes Zaumu Different?
While the creator marketplace space is crowded, Zaumu’s creator-first approach stands out.
Zaumu, meaning "for the people" in Kiswahili, reframes the creator-brand relationship:
Zaumu also integrates AI tools for matchmaking, moderation, and campaign insights — bringing a much-needed data-driven approach to a space still dominated by sentiment and manual workflows.
The Harsh Metrics Behind the Opportunity
Africa’s creators operate in a deeply skewed ecosystem:
Zaumu aims to close this gap — putting creators at the center of the value they generate.
The Real Test Ahead
Zaumu’s success hinges on two factors:
To succeed, Zaumu must prove it offers better efficiency, accountability, and ROI compared to entrenched systems.
The opportunity is massive. By professionalizing workflows and realigning incentives, Zaumu could unlock huge latent value for creators and brands alike.
A Creator-First Platform — And A Movement
Zaumu isn’t just launching an app — it’s trying to build a movement.
As Cedric emphasized, "This is not a launch. This is a long game. Our success is tied directly to your success. We only get paid when you get paid."
By putting creators first, Zaumu could disrupt how digital campaigns are executed — in Kenya, across Africa, and possibly globally — setting a new standard for valuing Africa’s creative economy.
On Friday, 11th April 2025, I had the privilege of moderating a high-impact panel at the RIANA Group Security Executives Forum at the Hyatt Regency Nairobi. Themed “Integrating Security from the Ground Up”, the discussion explored the vital collaboration between architects, engineers, surveyors, and security professionals in designing and delivering safer, smarter buildings.
We’re in an era where traditional approaches to security no longer cut it. Physical barriers, standalone CCTV systems, and manual visitor logs feel almost archaic when juxtaposed with today’s smart technologies, AI-driven threat detection, and integrated systems thinking. This is precisely the lens we applied to this forum.
The panel comprised some of the region’s foremost professionals from the real estate, insurance, hospitality, and construction sectors:
Andrey Lyubimov — Development Manager, HASS Consult
Jack Njuguna — Regional Head of Security, Jubilee Insurance
John Githiri — Director & Project Manager, Millstone Construction Company
Leakey Indiazi Changilwa — Security Manager, Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi
Moses Karani — Quantity Surveyor & Incoming Chair, AAK Quantity Surveyors Chapter
Key Takeaways From The Discussion Panel.
Throughout the 90-minute session, we unpacked some compelling insights that are now available in the full video and audio podcast episode — live on the Pure Digital Passion Podcast.
Security Should Be a Design Imperative, Not a Retrofit: Andrey Lyubimov emphasized the importance of incorporating security at the earliest stages of property development. Sharing his experience with a mixed-use project in Nairobi that employed facial recognition technology, he demonstrated how early integration prevented costly bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
Risk Assessment Is Non-Negotiable:: Jack Njuguna made a compelling case for layered security architecture — blending physical measures like access control and surveillance with cyber safeguards. He underscored the insurer’s perspective: ROI in security is most evident when incidents occur, but preparedness mitigates long-term losses.
Compliance and Standards Are Still Playing Catch-Up John Githiri pointed out that while Kenya’s 2024 Building Code and KEBS standards offer a regulatory framework, real-world adoption remains inconsistent. Much of what gets implemented still depends on client aspirations more than national legislation.
The Hospitality Lens: Security Without Sacrificing Experience: Leakey Indiazi shared hospitality-specific nuances — such as balancing stringent security protocols with seamless guest experiences. His insights from the frontlines of hotel security highlighted how technology like LPR and smart communication between guards enhances safety without intimidation.
Future-Proofing Through Value Engineering: Moses Karani articulated the financial implications of late-stage security integrations and how early planning — even without full implementation — helps align budgets with essential infrastructure for future rollouts.
We also explored the often-overlooked topic of retrofitting existing buildings, calling for more thoughtful legislation and incentives to upgrade aging structures without needing to rebuild from scratch. Passive design principles were debated too, with general consensus that we’re shifting rapidly from passive to active security paradigms.
What's Next?
The panel called on developers, policymakers, and professional bodies to:
Integrate risk assessments into early design
Partner with independent security experts, not just vendors
Consider cybersecurity as core to physical security planning
Educate clients on the long-term value of secure infrastructure
Push for legislation that normalizes integrated security standards
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in a compelling and deeply insightful panel at Strathmore University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality, focused on how AI and Digital Marketing are transforming Kenya’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The event—hosted at the Microsoft Auditorium—was themed “Optimizing MarTech as a Strategic Tool for Business Success.” I joined a dynamic panel alongside Kevin Omondi (Founder, DotNext), Ronald Okumu (CEO, AI Connect), and hospitality industry veteran Tony Muiruri, with the discussion expertly moderated by Joe Owako.
This wasn’t your typical academic event. It was raw, real, and filled with meaningful dialogue from both the panelists and a diverse audience. From influencer marketing to predictive analytics, we unpacked how hospitality players in Kenya must urgently adopt smarter, AI-driven strategies to stay competitive.
What We Discussed
This wasn’t a one-way panel. It was a genuine exchange of ideas, frustrations, and opportunities between experts and practitioners across the room.
Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting down at the Visa Innovation Studio in Nairobi 🇰🇪 with three exceptional leaders—Olivia Etyang’ from Visa 💳, Evans Toroitich from Citi 🏦, and Catherine Wangechi from Cellulant 🔗—to unpack one of the most exciting fintech collaborations I’ve come across in a long time.Together, these three premier organizations have launched Citi Optimized Pay 🚀—a bold and timely solution aimed at addressing one of the most persistent problems facing businesses in Kenya and beyond: the working capital gap in supply chains 💸.💼 Why Citi Optimized Pay MattersAccording to the IFC, Kenya’s supply chain finance gap is estimated at over $25 billion—a staggering 25% of our GDP 📉. The challenge? Suppliers—especially SMEs—often wait 60 to 90 days to get paid after delivering goods or services 📦. Meanwhile, large corporate buyers typically want to delay payments to manage their own cash flow 🕒. The result is a working capital stalemate that can cripple smaller businesses 🧱.Citi Optimized Pay bridges that gap by allowing corporate buyers to use their commercial cards to pay suppliers early via a secure, seamless, and flexible platform 🔐 built on Visa’s infrastructure and powered by Cellulant’s Tingg payment gateway 💡.🌍 A Game-Changer Born in NairobiWhat I found especially compelling is that this wasn’t some imported idea from New York or London 🌎. Citi Optimized Pay was co-created right here at the Visa Innovation Studio in Nairobi—the only one of its kind in Africa 🌍—and it was built with local insights from SMEs, suppliers, and enterprise buyers 🧠.As Olivia Etyang’ explained, the space was designed to foster innovation by enabling partners to co-create real-world solutions that address the needs of African markets. Citi Optimized Pay is the latest fruit of that vision 🌱.🔧 How It WorksEvans Toroitich broke it down brilliantly during the podcast: Citi issues virtual commercial cards to its corporate clients 💳. These clients upload approved supplier invoices to the platform 📤, and suppliers are then notified and given the option to get paid early—either via bank transfer or mobile money 📲—without needing expensive card infrastructure 🏦.Suppliers effectively leverage the buyer’s creditworthiness to access fast, reliable cash flow 💰, while buyers benefit from extended payment terms and digitized accounts payable processes 🧾. It's truly a win-win ✅.🔄 Cellulant's Role: Orchestrating Seamless PayoutsFrom Catherine Wangechi’s perspective, this platform is a culmination of years of building a Pan-African payments infrastructure 🌐. Tingg provides suppliers with multiple payout options, enabling them to receive funds via M-PESA, bank transfers, and soon, even directly onto cards 💸.The platform also minimizes overhead and cuts out the bureaucracy typically associated with SME financing 🧾. No trips to the bank. No endless paperwork. Just a simple, verified, and secure digital journey from invoice upload to funds disbursement 📈.📦 Designed for Scale—Across Sectors and MarketsOne of the most exciting things we discussed was the future potential of Citi Optimized Pay 🔮. What started as a solution for sectors like FMCG, travel, and manufacturing is already showing promise in areas like logistics, agriculture, and financial services 🚛🌾💼.With Cellulant’s presence in over 20 African markets, and Visa’s global infrastructure, this solution is poised for continental scale 🗺️. And Citi brings the supply chain finance expertise that anchors the entire offering ⚙️.🕰️ Why Is This Happening Now?The answer is simple: Kenya is a hotbed of fintech innovation, and the ecosystem is ready 🔥. As Olivia put it, “We have the tech. We have the appetite. We have the need.” 💻📲Add to that the fact that this is one of the few corporate-focused platforms truly designed to uplift SMEs—and you have a transformative tool that could unlock massive economic value 💼📊.
🎙️ In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I sat down with Michael Nyaga, Regional Consultant for East and Southern Africa at Creditinfo Kenya, to explore how Creditinfo is transforming the onboarding journey in digital lending — starting with the launch of its next-generation eKYC platform in Nairobi.
🇰🇪 Kenya is the first global market to experience this intelligent, modular Identity | KYC | Fraud solution, designed to improve how financial institutions identify, verify, and onboard customers — while preventing fraud from day one.
Michael draws on two decades of experience in digital banking and lending innovation across Equity Bank, I&M Bank, and now Creditinfo to discuss:
✅ Why thin-file customers need psychometrics + alternative data✅ How to digitize onboarding for MSMEs and the gig economy✅ What it takes to move from static credit limits to intelligent scoring✅ How embedded credit is shaping the next decade of financial access✅ The future of real-time, API-based decisioning for lenders in Africa
If you're in digital banking, credit risk, fintech, or financial inclusion — this episode is essential listening.
📍Want to learn more about Creditinfo’s new eKYC solution? Visit: https://shorturl.at/TcVkJ
🎙️ In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I sat down with Rob Meakin, Director of Fraud & Identity at Creditinfo Group, during the official launch of Creditinfo’s new Identity | KYC | Fraud platform in Nairobi.
🇰🇪 Kenya is the first global market to roll out this next-gen eKYC solution — designed to help digital lenders, banks, and fintechs verify identities, prevent fraud, and build trust from the very first customer interaction.
Rob shares insights from over 20 years in fraud management and digital identity innovation across the UK and global markets. We discuss:
✅ Why trust in digital finance starts with multi-attribute identity verification
✅ How AI is being used (and misused) in the fraud prevention space
✅ Why simple ID checks are no longer enough in today’s environment
✅ How Creditinfo’s platform uses cross-source analytics to detect anomalies
✅ The cost of onboarding fraud — from bad debt to customer drop-off
✅ Why Kenya’s ecosystem was chosen for the global rollout
✅ What it takes to balance security with seamless customer experience
This is a must-watch episode for anyone serious about building secure, scalable, and inclusive digital financial services in Africa.
📍Want to learn more about Creditinfo’s new eKYC solution Visit: https://shorturl.at/TcVkJ
🎙️ In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I sat down with Kamau Kunyiha, the Regional CEO for East & Southern Africa and CEO of Creditinfo CRB Kenya, during the official launch of Creditinfo’s new Identity | KYC | Fraud platform in Nairobi.
🇰🇪 Kenya is the first global market to roll out this next-gen eKYC solution — a modular, intelligent platform designed to tackle the biggest challenges in digital onboarding, including identity verification, fraud detection, and real-time credit decisioning.
Over the course of our conversation, Kamau shared insights from his 20+ year journey in credit intelligence — from the early days of manual credit reporting to today’s era of AI-powered scoring and data-driven decisioning. He also unpacked Creditinfo’s strategic shift toward delivering end-to-end analytics and decisioning platforms to lenders across Africa.
We discussed:
✅ How Creditinfo is evolving beyond traditional credit bureaus✅ The power of IDM (Instant Decisioning Module) in enabling real-time credit scoring✅ Why Kenya is an ideal launchpad for fintech and regtech innovation✅ How Creditinfo is helping lenders move from fraud detection to fraud prevention✅ The role of mobile money, psychometrics, and alt-data in expanding financial access✅ Why digital trust, not just credit scores, is the new foundation of financial services✅ The future of seamless onboarding in a mobile-first African context
Kamau also shared what it takes to succeed in complex, high-growth markets like Kenya — from navigating regulatory relationships to building tech that fits local needs.
This episode is essential listening for anyone building or investing in the future of digital finance in Africa.
Want to learn more about Creditinfo’s new eKYC solution?
Visit: https://shorturl.at/TcVkJ
In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Cannon, the Group Chief Commercial Officer at Creditinfo Global (Creditinfo), during his most recent visit to Kenya.
We spoke at a pivotal moment — just as Creditinfo was officially launching its next-generation eKYC and fraud prevention platform right here in Nairobi. Kenya, as it turns out, is the first global market to experience this layered identity solution, which aims to revolutionize how digital lenders, banks, and fintechs verify users, fight fraud, and accelerate customer onboarding.
Over the course of our conversation, John took me through his personal journey into the credit bureau space — from a chemistry student who stumbled into data and financial technology, to a commercial leader now helping shape Creditinfo’s fraud and ID strategy across 50+ global markets.
We also discussed:
✅ Why identity is the foundation of trust in digital finance
✅ The layered power of Creditinfo’s new Identity | KYC | Fraud API
✅ How the shift to mobile-first financial ecosystems is driving innovation in Africa
✅ What makes Kenya a launchpad for new fintech products
✅ Why agility, localization, and modularity are central to Creditinfo’s go-to-market approach
✅ The company’s roadmap for embedding credit scores into consumer banking apps
✅ How they’re enabling financial inclusion by making onboarding smarter and more secure
John also touched on how data insights from Creditinfo’s global bureau network are helping spot and stop fraud patterns in real time — such as rapid-fire loan applications under a single ID, or accounts that default before even making a single payment.
What stood out most in our conversation was how Creditinfo is merging global expertise with local presence to build digital trust in underserved markets — and how Kenya's and Africa's energy, openness, and mobile-first adoption are making it one of the most exciting regions for innovation in this space.
📍Want to learn more about Creditinfo’s new eKYC solution? Visit https://shorturl.at/TcVkJ
Just over a week ago, I sat down with Mark Kaigwa – someone I’ve known, admired, and watched help shape Kenya’s digital ecosystem – for what turned out to be my longest podcast episode ever on Pure Digital Passion.
We went deep — 1 hour and 40 minutes deep — exploring what we often get wrong, and what we’re finally beginning to get right, in Kenya’s fast-changing digital landscape.
🎬 Mark Kaigwa’s Origin Story: Storyteller to Strategist
Mark’s journey didn’t begin in marketing. Raised in a family of creatives, he started out in film production and scriptwriting, working with global players like Warner Bros. Interactive. But a growing curiosity around how Africans were using technology led him into advertising, and eventually to launching Nendo — an insight-first, Africa-centric digital agency that’s all about strategy grounded in reality.
💸 Megabytes as Currency
A core theme from our conversation: megabytes are currency. In Kenya, every click, stream, and download costs money. This economic reality directly influences digital behaviour. Users avoid outbound links, heavy apps, and unnecessary data drains. If you're not designing for data-conscious users, you're missing the point.
📱 Kenya’s App Graveyard
Mark highlighted the fate of many apps launched with excitement but quickly abandoned. The reality? Kenyans don’t want more apps — they want lean, fast, mobile-first web experiences. Apps have to earn their place on already-cramped phones.
🧠 Social Listening: It’s What’s Not Mentioned
Mark made a strong case that the most valuable social media insights aren’t in hashtags or mentions. They’re in the untagged, unbranded conversations — what people say about you, without naming you. If your digital strategy ignores this, you’re missing what matters.
🎵 TikTok’s Mashinani Mavens
Mark introduced the idea of “Mashinani Mavens” — rural and peri-urban TikTok creators changing the content game. These aren't your Nairobi-based influencers. They're grandmothers, shopkeepers, students — crafting relatable, vernacular content that’s algorithmically surfaced. It’s authentic influence that can’t be manufactured.
🎰 The Rise of Sports Betting & Algorithmic Newsrooms
A sobering moment: the most Googled word in Kenya for over a decade has been a sports betting brand. Betting is deeply embedded in digital culture, particularly among the youth — and it poses a serious, under-addressed public health concern.
We also discussed platforms like Opera News, Scooper, and Phoenix Browser — apps that many brand managers overlook, but which now serve as the default news experience for millions. They’re fast, localised, and powered by algorithms — not editorial desks.
⛔ Zero-Click Content & Practical AI
Today’s platforms don’t want users to leave — they want them to stay put. This is the “zero-click reality”, where platform-native content wins and outbound links lose. It’s flipping traditional digital marketing logic on its head.
On AI, Mark is pragmatic — not hyped. From replacing clunky USSD menus to creating tools like MsaniiGPT for localised content generation, he sees AI as a powerful tool for solving real African problems.
💡 Final Thoughts
Mark closed with a powerful call to action:
Question everything. Localise everything. Test everything.
Too much of our digital strategy is borrowed and repackaged from outside Africa. But Kenya — and the continent — has its own rhythms, its own behaviours, and its own realities. The only way forward is insight-led and context-aware execution.
👉 If you’ve ever worked in marketing, communications, media, or technology in Kenya, this is the one podcast episode you need to watch or listen to. It’s layered, enlightening, and yes — epic.
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In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Sheila Kimani, Chief Commercial Officer at Loop, a digital-first financial services platform from NCBA Bank Group. We unpacked Loop’s journey from a youth-targeted banking product when it launched in Kenya back in 2017 to what it has now become—a lifestyle-driven, embedded finance platform that's rapidly scaling across East and West Africa.At the heart of our conversation was Loop’s bold UX redesign for its mobile app, the motivations behind it, and the vision it signals for the future of digital banking in Africa.Rebuilding the Loop Experience—From the Ground UpFor those of us who’ve used Loop for years (myself included), there’s no denying that it hit a few bumps in the road, especially during previous system upgrades. In fact, I’ve shared candid feedback online about the app’s past struggles. However, Sheila was clear and honest about how Loop took this feedback seriously—and turned it into a catalyst for change.The newly redesigned Loop mobile app, launched recently, is faster, more intuitive, and built around user feedback. Everything from screen flows to swipe gestures has been optimized for simplicity, responsiveness, and fewer taps.The approach wasn’t just aesthetic. Sheila explained how Loop conducted study groups, ran feedback loops, and worked closely with designers and developers to strip the app back to its essentials and rebuild it with usability at the core. The result is an app that feels leaner, smarter, and more attuned to how people actually use digital finance in their daily lives.A Lifestyle Banking Platform, Not Just an AppOne of the most striking takeaways from our conversation is that Loop is no longer just a digital bank—it’s a lifestyle platform. Given that Loop has more than 500,000 active consumers and 200,000 merchants, it now supports a wide range of real-life ecosystems, including:Agriculture: Loop works directly with rice farmers in Western Kenya, offering financing from land prep to harvest.Education, Health, and Trade: Loop embeds financial tools into services people depend on daily.Retail: Through the “Discover” feature, users can access deals and discounts from partners like Samsung, Oppo, and Hotpoint.Loop’s digital wallet, Visa/MasterCard debit cards, and real-time merchant settlements all contribute to a seamless payment experience.Financial Services, SimplifiedLoop has also significantly expanded its credit and lending capabilities under what Sheila called the “Grow” proposition, which includes:30-day loansOverdrafts and term loansBuy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) optionsUnsecured loans up to KES 3 millionWhat’s particularly impressive is how BNPL has become a flagship feature, giving customers affordable access to devices, appliances, and more—directly through the app, and with flexible payment plans.The Bigger Picture: Growth, Ecosystems & Going Pan-AfricanSheila also shared Loop’s expansion ambitions beyond Kenya. The platform is actively working on market entries into Uganda, Ghana, and Rwanda, leveraging telco partnerships to offer credit on mobile wallets and build hyperlocal financial services ecosystems.The goal is to embed finance in everyday life—whether you're a farmer, a freelancer, or a family-run shop owner—and to do it digitally, paperlessly, and intelligently. That includes AI-driven underwriting, personalized savings tools, and eventually, a foray into crypto and digital assets.Final Word: The Loop Community is GrowingSheila made a heartfelt invitation to all listeners: Become a “Looper.” Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, onboard digitally, and experience what a modern financial lifestyle platform looks like.With a new app, improved performance, and a vision built on co-creation with users, Loop is not just back—it’s reborn.
On the morning of March 27th, 2025, I had the pleasure of joining fellow industry leaders at the Syntura Kenya CXO Breakfast held at the Capital Club, Nairobi, Kenya. Themed around AI, cybersecurity, and the future of the digital workplace, this private gathering brought together top executives and technology practitioners for a high-impact exchange of ideas and insights.
I was honored to be part of the panel discussion, alongside:
Even as the event had all the polish of a premium technology engagement, there was a moment of irony: midway through our panel, I realized the audiovisual team was not recording the panel discussion and so being the kind of content obsessed person that I am I instinctively pulled out my phone to capture what I could — and that’s what you’ll hear on the podcast which is ultimately the basis for this post. The audio isn’t perfect, but the insights are priceless.
We kicked off with a big question: How can Kenyan and African organizations fully leverage AI to drive measurable outcomes?
We all agreed that AI is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a real, tangible tool that’s improving how we work. From automating mundane tasks to powering predictive analytics, AI is already delivering efficiency gains and, more importantly, boosting revenues and customer satisfaction.
I shared some of the ways I personally use tools like ChatGPT, Otter, Notebook LM, Copilot, and Gamma in my day-to-day work — from generating reports and transcribing meetings to real-time translation and content creation. The opportunity is clear: become a practitioner, not just a spectator. Experiment, learn, and adapt.
Frank Molla offered a deep dive into the security realities of the finance and payments ecosystem. Given that MDP operating across borders and handling sensitive customer data, multi-layered cybersecurity protocols are not optional — they’re business-critical.
Interestingly, Frank mentioned that if cybersecurity were an economy, it would be the third-largest in the world by GDP. That alone speaks volumes about the scale and importance of digital protection in today’s interconnected world.
Brenda also noted how BPO firms at TRIFIC are increasingly leaning on AI for enhanced security and operational efficiency — especially those serving international markets with tight compliance standards.
A recurring theme throughout the panel was the gap between technology potential and actual adoption. We talked about how hybrid work, cloud collaboration tools, and AI-powered assistants have transformed the workplace — but not every organization has caught up.
There’s still resistance from some leaders, mostly driven by fear, legacy systems, or lack of training. As panelists, we emphasized the need for continuous learning, change management, and proactive leadership to help organizations embrace the shift.
Frank put it well when he said: “You don’t need to deploy everything at once. You just need to start — and stay current.”
One of the most meaningful parts of the conversation revolved around ethical AI use and its impact on jobs. We discussed how automation could displace some roles, yes — but it could also elevate human potential by offloading repetitive work and freeing people up for more creative, strategic, and emotionally intelligent tasks.
As I mentioned during the panel, the goal isn’t to replace people — it’s to remove the robotic work from human hands and let AI do what it does best.
We also touched on the importance of training and governance to prevent misuse of AI tools, ensure data security, and foster a culture of responsible innovation.
In the latest episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Njeri Jomo, the CEO and Principal Officer of Jubilee Health Insurance (JHI). Our conversation was not only inspiring but also a deep dive into how JHI is leading Kenya’s insurance sector in digital transformation—with a particular focus on their latest innovation, J-Force.A Leader Who’s Walked the Insurance Journey—From Tigoni To The C-Suite!Njeri’s personal story is as compelling as Jubilee’s digital transformation journey. Raised in Tigoni, she started in the technical trenches of insurance—underwriting and claims—before shifting to sales. This unique blend of technical knowledge and frontline customer experience shaped her into a leader who truly understands the pain points and opportunities across the insurance value chain.From her days advising clients about wealth creation, to helping them balance risk and investment, Njeri’s focus has always been on creating value for the customer. It’s no surprise then that as CEO, she is pushing JHI to not just sell insurance but to deliver holistic financial solutions that empower customers to live free—true to Jubilee’s promise.Driving Digital Transformation with PurposeOne of the major themes from our conversation was how JHI is leveraging technology to fundamentally transform their business. But as Njeri was quick to point out, technology alone is not the solution—it’s the strategy and intent behind it that matters.At the heart of JHI’s digital journey is a $20 million investment in technologies like:Artificial Intelligence (AI) for claims adjudication, which now handles 75% of claims with an error rate of less than 5%Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for faster, more efficient back-office operationsA fully cloud-based infrastructure to ensure scalability and resilienceA robust cybersecurity framework, complete with a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC), red and blue team penetration testing, and rigorous third-party risk assessmentsFor Njeri, this isn’t about ticking the digital box. It’s about using technology to reduce friction, improve efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer experiences—whether that’s onboarding a new client, processing claims, or helping intermediaries do business better.The Power of AI and Data In Health InsuranceHealth insurance is complex, sensitive, and unfortunately, prone to fraud, waste, and abuse. Njeri highlighted how JHI is tackling these issues head-on with AI. Today, the business can:Adjudicate claims in real timePay hospitals within 30 days—a significant industry milestoneAnalyze healthcare patterns to flag fraudulent activity before it happensLeverage customer data for wellness insights—moving beyond curative healthcare to preventive care and even exploring dynamic pricing modelsThis approach is revolutionizing the claims experience while simultaneously building trust with providers and customers.J-Force: The Game-Changer For Insurance DistributionAnd then we got to the star of the show—J-Force. If ever there was a proof point of Jubilee’s digital ambitions, this is it.J-Force is a digital platform designed for JHI’s 2,500+ agents, brokers, and bank partners, allowing them to:Quote, onboard, and issue policies in real-timeTrack commissions and monitor performance down to individual sales officersOffer digital premium financing (IPF), enabling customers to pay for insurance in flexible installmentsGet insights on client birthdays, closing ratios, and upselling opportunitiesNjeri explained that more than 70% of insurance in Kenya is still intermediated—meaning people buy from someone they know or trust. J-Force recognizes this cultural reality and enhances it, not replaces it. By enabling intermediaries with digital tools, J-Force helps them:Close deals fasterImprove data accuracy and protectionExpand their reach across Kenya without increasing the cost of doing business