Kenn Abuya

Here, Nairobi, Thēre

Senior Tech Reporter at TechCabal

EA's ambassador for @techcabal

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Articles

DigiTax chases Africa’s rising demand for tax tech

4 days ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

Founded in 2022 by Caine Wanjau and Thuku wa Thuku, Kenyan startup, DigitTax, provides electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) software designed to meet rising tax authority demands across Africa. More governments, including Kenya, are rolling out e-invoicing mandates to tighten tax collection, and businesses need reliable tools to comply or risk penalties. DigiTax’s work is hinged on this development.
Kenya revives push to give KRA access to private financial data

4 days ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

Kenya is considering removing a legal provision that protects personal and customer financial data from tax authorities. In the 2025 Finance Bill, the Treasury has proposed deleting Section 59A(1B) of the Tax Procedures Act, a clause introduced in December 2024 that bars the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) from compelling businesses to share trade secrets or personal data collected from their customers.
The real cost of chasing higher returns in private debt

5 days ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

First published 01 June, 2025 The real cost of chasing higher returns in private debt Image | Alter Finance Across Africa’s startup landscape, attention usually goes to big-ticket equity raises, flashy valuations and headline-making VC or private equity (VCPE) backing. But underneath, a quiet and telling shift is underway. Startups and growth-stage companies are increasingly relying on debt financing, sometimes in conjunction with equity, and sometimes as the primary strategy.
Twiga Foods creates holding company, cuts over 300 jobs

2 weeks ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

Twiga Foods, one of Kenya’s most funded e-commerce startups, has created a new holding company, referred to internally as “newco”, as part of a broader restructuring effort that will consolidate its recent acquisitions and streamline operations. The move, which comes in the wake of Twiga’s takeover of three Kenyan FMCG distributors, led to job cuts affecting over 300 employees as the company pivots to an asset-light model to cut costs.
Starlink can’t take new users in Nairobi half a year later

2 weeks ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

Starlink, the SpaceX-owned satellite internet service, has been unable to onboard new customers in Nairobi since demand exceeded its network capacity in November 2024. Six months later, the freeze is still in effect, leaving users who bought hardware without service. This growing problem raises doubts about whether satellite broadband can keep pace with demand in dense urban areas.
Twiga shifts strategy as it leans on Kenyan distributors for scale

2 weeks ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

Twiga Foods, a Kenyan B2B e-commerce startup, is shifting its strategy and pivoting after years of pursuing direct operations, including managing farms, delivery fleets, and supply chains. In April, Twiga acquired controlling shares in three local FMCG distributors: Jumra, Sojpar, and Raisons to cut costs and improve profits while figuring out how best to navigate Kenya’s scattered retail market.
MaxAB-Wasoko acquires Egypt's Fatura in first post-merger move

2 weeks ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

In its first post-merger move, MaxAB-Wasoko, the B2B e-commerce giant formed from the 2024 merger between Kenya’s Wasoko and Egypt’s MaxAB, has acquired Fatura, an Egypt-based B2B e-marketplace, from EFG Finance. The deal is a fresh push to consolidate retail and supply chain technology across African markets. As part of the acquisition, EFG Finance has become a key shareholder in MaxAB-Wasoko and sits on the company’s board. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.
Safaricom, Airtel, CA barred from future internet blocks

3 weeks ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

The High Court of Kenya has barred the government, telecom operators, Safaricom and Airtel, and the country’s communications regulator, from disrupting internet access, marking a significant step in the fight for digital rights in East Africa’s most connected country. Seven civil society organisations are suing the Communications Authority (CA), the Attorney General, the Ministry of ICT, Safaricom, and Airtel Kenya, challenging the legality of past and potential internet shutdowns.
Rethinking what banks are for

3 weeks ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

First published 11 May, 2025 Rethinking what banks are for Image | TechCabal African economies are growing, fintech is booming, and mobile money has changed how millions handle cash. But behind all the progress lies a stubborn problem: we’ve copied banking systems that aren’t working even in the places they came from. Global banks keep failing. Big ones like Credit Suisse collapse or get absorbed. In the US, new regulations haven’t stopped scandals.
Safaricom to turn to credit and savings to grow M-PESA in Ethiopia

4 weeks ago | techcabal.com | Kenn Abuya

Safaricom plans to launch savings and credit products in Ethiopia, hoping to boost earnings from M-PESA, its mobile money platform, which has struggled to gain traction nearly two years after launch. Since its rollout in August 2023, M-PESA has yet to make a meaningful financial contribution to its Ethiopian operations, according to numbers shared by the telco during its earnings call on Friday.