iAfya mobile health app for BlackBerry smartphones launches in Kenya

Avallain , an online education specialist that uses ICT to positively impact human development, announced a new mobile health app for BlackBerry® smartphone customers in Kenya. The iAfya app allows users to quickly and easily find comprehensive and trusted health information and resources at their fingertips from any location, which is ideal for people living and working in remote areas.

According to analyst firm, Informa Telecoms and Media, the number of people in Africa with access to mobile phones is over 560 million and exceeds those with access to the Internet by nearly five to one. Well designed, easy-to-use mobile applications therefore have a critical role in extending basic healthcare information to under-served communities.

Free to download on the BlackBerry App World™ storefront, the indispensible iAfya app is available for all BlackBerry smartphones running the BlackBerry® 7 OS (or higher), including the BlackBerry® Curve™ 9320 and BlackBerry® Curve™ 9220, which recently launched in Kenya. Whether someone is looking up symptoms or first aid tips for a family member, or a healthcare worker researching medical procedures and treatment options on the go, the iAfya mobile app offers quick and reliable answers to everyday health questions. The app also puts customers in direct touch with service providers - from insurance to healthcare professionals.

The app was developed by Avallain to support the iAfya initiative which is contributing to the long-term goals for mobile health services in Kenya. Avallain designed the iAfya app content according to Kenyan government guidelines to meet the highest quality standards, which are provided by the Ministry of Medical Services and the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation.

"Access to even basic health information can be expensive and complicated for many
people in our society. iAfya provides a platform where people can access health information at their convenience for free," explained Shelmith Mumbi, Avallain's Content Manager, also a trained health professional. "iAfya aims to close the gap between the health workers and the public and improve the level of knowledge for health workers themselves, a critical group for any effort to improve public health," she added.

Connecting community health workers is important to help improve health care in Kenya. The iAfya app will also enable health workers in the field to access relevant and up to date health information while on the go, and help to improve service delivery.

Waldi Wepener Regional Director for East, West and Central Africa at Research In Motion added, "According to Canalys, the BlackBerry brand continues to lead Africa in terms of smartphone adoption. As well as connecting the Continent, we see the mobile Internet becoming the key platform for accessing information and services in areas such as education and health. We are pleased to support Avallain to help facilitate access to relevant health information for the people of Kenya and will continue to work with our many partners in the thriving Kenyan mobile development community to support the future of the East African ICT industry."

LAUGH INDUSTRY PROVIDES THE ULTIMATE KIDS EXPERIENCE

Thousands of children and parents alike were treated to exciting games and entertainment as they filled the Carnivore Grounds for the August edition of the Zuku Kids Festival.

Dubbed "the Ultimate Kids Experience" the event which was organized by Laugh industry is the seventh edition which aimed to celebrate musical talent among the children who attended the event.

There were various fun and learning activities, such as Blue Band art competitions, face painting, essay writing, radio & TV talent search and Mini Olympics.

Speaking during the event, Zuku Triple Play Managing Director Kamande Muiruri said the decision to sponsor the event was informed by the need to bring family together.

"Our products are pegged on family values and have become popular amongst the household. It is due to this factor that we want them to get first hand experience on our product offering," said Kamande.

This week, Zuku Triple Play unveiled new packages dubbed Basic TV/R1 Internet, Premium/R8 and Premium/R20, which currently are the most affordable broadband offerings in the market.

On her part, Caroline Mwangi, Category Manager, Spreads East and Southern Africa at Unilever ESA felt proud to be associated with the event terming it as a positive step in growing great children.

"While academics are important, talents form a crucial part of the extra –curricular activities, and such events as the Kids festival provide the necessary exposure for the children to help manage better in society," said Caroline.

Commenting about the event, Laugh Industry CEO Dan "Churchill" Ndambuki emphasized the importance of nurturing talent in children in their formative years as this boosts their self confidence.

"When a child believes in their talent, as parents we should encourage the same, you never know, this could be the doors that open opportunities to a successful future," said Dan.

Children and parents alike reeled in laughter as great comedians as Eric Omondi, Ayeiiiyah! Mc Jessy, Chipukeezy, Jalang'o kept the crowds in high spirits with their best dose of comic medicine.

Culminating the event was a huge Kids concert held at the centre stage, with some talented kids singing and dancing alongside the stars. There were exhilarating performances from established musicians such as Emmy Kosgei, Jimmy Gait, Mad Traxx and Nameless among others, who took to the stage to inspire, guide and also encourage the children.

Among the sponsors who supported the event include Zuku, Blue Band, Kenya National Library Services and Chase Bank.

ECOBANK GROUP INCOMING CHIEF EXECUTIVE ON MAIDEN VISIT TO KENYA

Mr. Thierry Tanoh, the incoming Group Chief Executive Officer– Designate of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) is in Kenya for a two day visit. The trip marks his first official visit to the country since his appointment in July 2012 effectively taking over from Mr. Arnold Ekpe, who has been at the helm of the bank.

Mr. Ekpe is retiring from the Bank's service but will stay on until end of this year to facilitate a smooth transition.

His visit is viewed as an affirmation of Kenya's role as the financial services hub for East Africa and is a signal of Ecobank Group's focus on its Kenya and East Africa business in general.

Mr. Tanoh, who was introduced to the Bank during its June Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Togo, holds a French certified public accountant qualification and a Masters in Business Administration from the Harvard Business School in the United States, bringing on board knowledge, experience and leadership to achieve all of the company's goals for the future.

While addressing the media at the Bank's head office in Nairobi, Mr. Tanoh affirmed his commitment to help the bank grow further: "I am more than honored to have the opportunity to lead this important bank. We have everything we need to be a leader in provision of financial services in Africa. With excellent management, functioning systems, the right values and culture, there is no doubt that we are on the right path to achieving our set objectives.

He said the Bank had a long tradition of operational excellence and strong execution and therefore aimed to refocus his attention and efforts on those core capabilities that will make Ecobank the best financial services firm in Africa.

Prior to his move to Ecobank, Mr. Tanoh, served as the Vice-President of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) overseeing Africa, Latin America and Western Europe regions where he spearheaded business development, deal structuring, and general growth of IFC business.

His work with international clients has given him broad perspective and knowledge of global financial services markets, and brings on board a wealth of experience across Africa.

As CEO, Mr. Tanoh is expected to spearhead the Group's progressive operations in 32 African countries while also scouting for new markets for business.

Airtel sponsors Obuya Cricket Tournament

Airtel Kenya today announced its sponsorship of the 2012 Obuya Youth Cricket tournament starting from August 21st to August 25th, 2012.

Airtel Kenya managing director Mr. Shivan Bhargava reiterated his company's commitment to the promotion of sports in Kenya going on to say that "We are committed to supporting the development of sports in the country and we will be supporting more sporting initiatives aimed at nurturing talent among the youth in Kenya."

Mr. Bhargava added that his Company is delighted to have the opportunity to offer cricket fans the opportunity to enjoy their favorite sport while accessing exclusive Airtel customer service and sales points at the games venues. The games will be played at Jaffrey's, Simba Union Club, Premier Club, Ruaraka and Sir Ali Muslims club.

Speaking about the sponsorship, the Chairman of the Obuya tournament Mr. Kennedy Obuya expressed his delight at the offer from Airtel appealing to more organizations to join in the promotion of the event to cater for more teams and better quality of the games in the future.

Mr. Obuya said the tournament which has been divided into three age group categories under 11, 13 and 17 will once again be played in a round robin basis featuring 20/20 over's each and will also be officiated by internationally qualified umpires with the International Cricket Council rules and regulations strictly being adhered to.

       The tournament was started in 2005 with the three Obuya brothers Kennedy, David and Collins who are all members of the national cricket team after Kenya's historic semi final place in the Cricket World cup in South Africa.  Simba Union club won the under 17 title last year after beating Obuya Academy 11 side in the finals. Uganda's select side are the defending champions of the under 13 category after beating Samaj school in the finals. The under 11 side was last year won by Obuya Academy side. 30 teams

The tournament is expected to attract 30 teams which will be drawn from Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru and Uganda.

Spinlet Powers Industry Night (Please Help Use)

Spinlet, Nigeria's premier digital music download service continues to  establish itself at the forefront of promoting both upcoming and established acts; providing numerous opportunities for Nigerian artists to explore and enhance their talent.

 The company announced further details today, about its sponsorship of Nigeria's biggest talent showcase event Industry Nite.

 Over the years, Industry Nite has attracted some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry   such as 2face Idibia, M.I, Wizkid, Faze, W4, DammyKrane, 9ice, Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, D'Banj, Vector, Ras Kimono, and many others.

 And, with support from Spinlet, the property has now become the most powerful platform to showcase upcoming talents within Nigeria.

 

Reaffirming   Spinlet's commitment to promote and empower Nigerian artists, Mark Redguard, Chief Marketing Officer of Spinlet remarked   "Just like everyone else, I look forward to Industry Nite every week. In a music industry that is constantly evolving, its good see a platform like this strongly spearheading change and empowering artists."

 "We are particularly passionate about our upcoming artists, and stars such as Dammy Krane, Burna Boy, Vector, W4 and so many young acts have been able to utilise this platform to further propel their career."

Mathew Ohio, the brain behind Industry Nite, also noted that Industry Nite had gradually metamorphosed from merely an artist platform into a platform set to rejuvenate the Nigerian entertainment industry. ''The response, from artists and music lovers across the country, has been amazing. Even more so the gradual shift in thinking and the strides Industry Nite is taking to develop the music sector and   enhance the careers   of   upcoming   and   established acts is something we are extremely proud of'', Ohio says.

 

Industry Nite holds every Wednesday, at the African Bar, Oriental Hotel, in Lagos.

 "We've got lots of great stuff lined up for our music lovers in the coming months, and that's something we're also looking forward to."

 Apart from Lagos, which is the official base of Industry Nite, other states have also had a taste of the pudding, including Edo, Oyo, Rivers and Abuja. 'Spinlet is particular about making sure we take Industry Nite to everywhere possible in Nigeria and beyond, everywhere there is talent. We are committed to making sure we create opportunities for talented Nigerians to make their voices heard' Redguard adds.

"The Spinlet/Samsung Campus tour, which is still running, is one of these initiatives, and the response so far, from Uyo, Benin, Ibadan, Port Harcourt and other places we've visited has been tremendous."

MI-FONE LAUNCHES SMART FEATURE PHONE WITH A 60- DAY BATTERY LIFE

Africans want to access the internet but cannot afford a smart phone. In addition, the greatest challenge experienced with smart phone users is that the battery runs out quickly.

In a bid to provide solutions to these challenges , Mi-Fone the first African mobile Devices brand has launched the Mi3000 model. This is Africa's first smart feature phone with a 60 day battery standby time with EDGE connectivity

The Mi 3000 handset boasts beautiful candy bar design with a large 2.8 -inch Touch screen and keypad. Just like all other Mi-Fone handsets, t he Mi 3000 also comes with Mi-Apps with some free content that can be downloaded, and Opera Mini as default browser. Other features include p hone directory up to 1000 contacts, 1Gb Flash ,256 Mb RAM and a battery stand by time of up to 60 days

Following Mi-Fone's strategy to make available the latest technology at affordable prices, the company doesn't compromise on quality, and all the while, keeping the needs of its vibrant consumers in mind.

Commenting on the new entrant in the market, Mi-Fone CEO Mr. Alpesh Patel said that the Mi 3000 has the upper hand of long battery life, which is one of the greatest challenges for most competing brands.

The Mi3000 is a smart feature phone in that it is very similar to an Android smartphone but at lower price points.

"We all need to communicate, and having a handset that keeps us communicating addresses a crucial need among our customers," said Alpesh.

Adding, "A lot of consumers are using their device to access the internet and applications which quickly drains battery life. The Mi3000 addresses these concerns in a cost effective manner."

Mi-Fone has already differentiated itself from other low-cost handset manufacturers with its focus on music, local talent and its new "Mi-Apps Java" store. This will be instrumental in linking the acquisition of local music in capturing revenue streams, which are often lost to piracy.

The rapidly-growing mobile brand continues to stamp its authority in untapped markets of Africa market by carefully addressing the needs of the mass market African consumer in a quality and yet affordable manner.

The Mi 3000 also comes packed with a list of additional impressive features: 2.75G, Dual SIM, 2.8" Color display, Talk up to 15 hrs , 2MP Camera, Bluetooth and Support Memory Card .

Established in April 2008, Mi-Fone has already sold over 1.3 million units and is shipping to 12 African countries including: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, DRC, and Mauritius.