Top of The Day: M-Pesa Turns 18, Safaricom Gifts Subscribers and Other Headlines
Kenya’s leading telecommunications giant Safaricom’s mobile money service, M-Pesa is celebrating 18 years of service. It was first launched in 2007 and serves over 70 million consumers, businesses and agents across 170 countries.
As part of the 18th anniversary celebrations, the company has launched Ziidi Investment platform with Ziidi Money Market Fund. Subscribers have been treated with an 18 minutes talktime, 180MB and a M-PESA send money transaction all for Kshs. 20 bob by dialing *544*18#.
Former chairman of Safaricom and CEO, Michael Joseph, revealed that Vodafone’s Nick Hughes brought up the idea for M-Pesa in 2006. Hughes, was at a Vodafone’s social enterprises division at the time, which controlled a 40% stake in Safaricom. M-KOPA, is also Hughes idea for off-grid customers.
Leaders Attend Wafula Chebukati Burial in Trans Nzoia Today
President William Ruto, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingia re among those who attended Wafula Chebukati’s burial today. The former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman is being laid to rest at his Kiminini home in Trans Nzoia County.
The burial ceremony has also been attended by various dignitaries, including Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and several MPs.
Government issued strict guidelines to against any form of hooliganism or political activities during the ceremony. Attendees were advised against not to wear any political party regalia and security agents are on high alert to prevent potential disruptions.
Chebukati’s children shared heartfelt memories of their father, highlighting his bravery during work and jovial nature. His son Emmanuel portrayed his father as not only a resilient public figure but also a loving family man.
Chebukati completed his six-year tenure as IEBC chairman on January 17, 2023. He passed on, at 63, in a Nairobi hospital on February 21, 2025, while undergoing treatment.
E-Citizen Generates Almost 1B Daily
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services PS, Julius Bitok, made the above revelations when he appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security. He was being pit to task over Supplementary Estimates II for the 2024/2025 Financial Year on Friday.
Bitok revealed that the government revenue fluctuates between Ksh 700 million and Ksh 900 million daily. The amount which is approximately Ksh24 billion annually, is remitted directly to the National Treasury.
Bitok asked Treasury to allocate an extra Ksh 300M to rebamp its usability and productivity. This includes maintenance of the e-passport system, acquisition of a national digital ID, production of third-generation ID cards, and modernisation of the Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS), among others.
In addition to the Ksh 300M, Bitok sought an extra Ksh 100M to the current Ksh 111.48M allocated to cover repatriation efforts.
Bidco Acquisition Adds Cereals and Snacks to its Production Chain
Bidco Africa Group has recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring Groupaco Holdings Ltd (GHL), a manufacturer specializing in breakfast cereals and snacks. GHL’s assets and well-known brands such as Fillows, Shapies, Elbbin, and Nibble.
Vimal Shah, Bidco’s Executive Chairman, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that these brands align with Bidco’s mission to provide high-quality, locally produced food products to consumers across the region. He emphasized plans to scale these brands further, delivering more innovation and value to customers.
Bidco’s broader strategy is to diversify its product offerings. In 2024, they had a joint venture, Bidcoro Africa Limited, and fully acquired Suntory Beverage & Food Kenya Limited, the company behind Ribena and Lucozade brands.
Bidco began as a soap manufacturer in 1985, before venturing into cooking oil. The firm has now expanded its operations by committing to growth and diversification in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
About The Author
