Huawei has officially launched the Huawei Nova 8 that will now succeed the Huawei Nova 7 series. Here we see Huawei Nova 8 Pro Price in Kenya and full specifications.
Huawei Nova 8 series comes with two variants that have been officially launched. We have the Huawei Nova 8 and Huawei Nova 8 Pro
Here below are the specifications.
Huawei Nova 8 Pro Price in Kenya and Specifications.
This smartphone comes with a 6.72″ OLED display with a Full HD display of 2676 by 1236 pixels to offer a pixel density of 440 PPI. Moreover, the display has an 80-degree curve a first from Huawei and a refresh rate of 120Hz and a 300Hz touch sampling rate.
In comparison, the Huawei Mate 40 and Huawei P40 series only come with a 90Hz refresh rate
The display, uninterrupted by a punch-hole cutout accommodates the front cameras, which are 16MP and 32MP. This display is TUV certified and supports HDR 10.
The back camera features a new design of four cameras- an oval camera bump that features a 64MP(f/1.8 aperture, AF) main camera, 8MP(f/2.4 aperture, FF) ultra-wide lens, 2MP(f/2.4 aperture, FF) macro, and 2MP(f/2.4 aperture, FF) depth sensor.
A Kirin 985 5G chip with support for Wi-Fi 6+ powers the Huawei Nova 8 Pro. You also get 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of onboard storage. The device runs on EMUI 11.
In terms of juice, the phone has an inbuilt 4000mAh battery with supports 66W fast USB-C charging.
Pricing
The base model( that is 8GB/128GB ) will sell for $611that is about Ksh. 70000, while the 256GB variant is expected to sell for $673 which is about Ksh. 73000.
Full Specifications
Summary
Performance
MediaTek Dimensity 1000 Plus
Display
6.57 inches (16.68 cm)
Storage
128 GB
Camera
64 MP + 8 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP
Battery
4000 mAh
Price in Kenya
70000
RAM
8 GB, 8 GB
Launch Date in Kenya
March 2021 (Unofficial)
Key specs
Front camera
32 MP + 8 MP
Battery
4000 mAh
Processor
MediaTek Dimensity 1000 Plus
RAM
8 GB
Rear camera
64 MP + 8 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP
Display
6.57 inches
Special features
Other sensors
Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass
Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Fingerprint sensor position
On-Screen
General
Sim slots
Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
Model
Nova 8 Pro
Launch date
March 2021 (Unofficial)
Price in Kenya
70000
Brand
Huawei
Sim size
SIM1: Nano, SIM2: Nano
Network
4G: Available (supports Kenyan bands), 3G: Available, 2G: Available
Realme 7i Comes with goodies this festive season. Realme is a phone brand that has taken the market by storm this year, has launched several devices in the market, and continue to introduce even many more.
One of the phones they launched was the Realme 7i. Now, during this festive season, you get a special bundle of gifts if you purchase the Realme 7i.
The Deal
During this festive season, every purchase of the Realme 7i will come with free Buds Q, the company has said.
It comes with a 6.5-inch 720p display with a 90hz refresh rate, which is the defining feature and it shows how quickly the tech is pilfering down the stack
The RAM is either 4GB or 8GB to choose from, while for ROM, you get either 64GB or 128GB that is the fast UFS 2.1.
It runs the Snapdragon 662 that is a midrange chip that has the above RAM specifications.
In terms of optics, the back (main) camera comes with a quad setup that features the main sensor a 64MP, which is paired with an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and two 2MP cameras that are for macro photography and depth perception respectively.
The front camera (selfie camera) is a 16MP sensor, which is good for this kind of device. A 5000mAh battery that supports a quick charging from its 18W charger powers all this.
Safaricom LTD has today announced New Mpesa Charges effective January 1 2021 that will see a reduction up to 45% on transfer of money.
The company says the new tariffs will affect more than 90% of all transactions. This means that Kenyans will pay less to send money on the Mpesa platform.
It will now cost you only Ksh 6 to send between Ksh 101 and Ksh 500 down from Ksh 11, a reduction of Ksh 5.
Transactions between Ksh. 1501 and Ksh. 2500 will cost Ksh. 22 down from Ksh 41and a reduction of Ksh. 19.
This is what the company said in a statement.
“As guided by the Central Bank of Kenya and taking into account the Principles on the pricing of mobile money services, we have taken the decision to reduce our MPESA tariffs by up to 45% for lower value transaction bands.”
This move comes after the company announced the end of free transfer of transactions less than Ksh.1000 and this move, the company says is in consideration of the expiry of the free transfer and the ongoing COVID-19 and the prevailing economic situation the country is in.
However, transactions for Ksh 100 will remain free. Other free transactions include transfers between Mpesa and banks.
Moreover, the company has also maintained the maximum you can transact in a day at Ksh.300, 000 and the same amount is the maximum you can hold in your Mpesa account.
The new tariffs will also apply to transactions for micro-business under the Pochi La Biashara service and Lipa Na Mpesa businesses using the Till to make transfers.
New Mpesa Charges
Here below are the New Mpesa charges that will be effective January 1, 2020.
Min
Max
Transfer To Mpesa Users, Pochi La Biashara and Business Till To Customers
In this week’s article of “What I know about money”, Leah Muthoni talks about how she teaches relatives how to fish instead of giving out handouts.
Leah is the Chief Executive Officer at Lesedi Developers Limited, property developer, and Land buying and selling firm.
Here below is her story.
A business is only as strong and as stable as its structures. I have been able to set up this by ensuring that I have built up a team of workers who identify with the business objective, have the ability to connect with our target customers, and are willing to go the extra mile to achieve customer satisfaction. Your results will always reflect the strength and abilities of your team. Your team can earn or make you lose money.
When I started out, I mistook cheap labor for cost efficiency. This cost me good results and the cheap labor always fell short of the targets I wanted to meet.
Having a Budget
The importance of having a budget and sticking to it cannot be emphasized enough. I used to create a budget then end up spending money on things that I had not planned for.
In the end, this would leave me making money mistakes and losing money on unnecessary expenditure or expenditure I had not planned for.
I teach relatives how to fish instead.
I had a major weakness of spending too much money on relatives. Looking back, I have learned that while it is good to financially assist relatives, there is a limit.
It will be a bad money move to leave yourself bankrupt in the name of helping relatives. I teach relatives how to fish instead. Save money on a monthly basis. I save my extra income the moment I get it. I save either through the bank or through a Sacco. This money goes to a locked account which I usually unlock based on my goals or whether the budget for investment has been achieved.
I also put money into insurance covers. Since I started using these avenues, I have found out that my financial discipline has improved. I am now able to compound my money through investment and savings. Previously, I used to save money through Merry-Go rounds and Chamas. This was not effective.
Focus has always been my best shot at life. I have learned that the best way to create wealth is by having a good relationship with my finances. This involves being strict and disciplined in the way I handle my income.
I business, I have learned that mistakes and failure are part of the game. However, the trick is never to lose focus no matter how hard you fall. Master the art of picking yourself up. Failure is not failing; failure is falling and refusing to get yourself up.
“It teach relatives how to fish, and be self-reliant,” was first published by the Smag, a publication of the Saturday Nation.
Huawei P50 series that is to launch in the first quarter of 2021 will ship with the HarmonyOS 2.0 right off the box. It will be first device to run the new operating system from Huawei.
Other devices that are set to get the HarmonyOS 2.0 update are Huawei P40 series, the Matepad series and the Mate 30 and 40 series.
Huawei launched the HarmonyOS 2.0 in September 2020 as an alternative to Google’s Android operating system after the United States directed US companies not to trade with Huawei due to security concern.
The HarmonyOS 2.0 has be around for some time for developers to look at and now, it will ship with the Huawei P50 series.
Compared to other systems, HarmonyOS 2.0 performs better in terms of resilience and speed.
The plan, according to Huawei, is to have over 100 million devices operate the HarmonyOS 2.0 from not only Huawei, but also other brands such as Midea, Boss Appliances, Joyong and Puffin technology.
The system is expected to support Android apps as it grows but will in future stand alone, bringing to and end the relationship with Android.
Kenyan will now pay for transactions below Ksh. 1000.00 effective January 2021. The central bank of Kenya has stopped free transfer of Ksh 1000.00 and below that was introduced earlier this year to cushion Kenyans from the effects of COVID-19.
Earlier this year, after the first case was reported, the government put on place measures to cushion the economy, among them allowing Kenyans to transfer Ksh.1000.00 and below free of charge.
This measure had been extended to the end of this year, but now according to the Central Bank of Kenya, this will not be extended beyond 31st December 2020.
Now mobile money customers are expected to pay for money transfers for transaction below Ksh.1000.00 in a move that is expected to put allot of pressure on household still feeling the heat of the effects of COVID-19.
CBK and financial partners are expected to come up with new transaction fees in the New Year.
In the month of November, Safaricom PLC has hinted at re-introducing the payments after for the first time since its inception, the company had recorded a dip in profits.
Here is the statement from the bank:
CBK has reassessed the emergency measures with the objective of consolidating the gains made so far and also facilitate a transition towards sustainable growth of the mobile money ecosystem. Following consultations with Payment Service Providers (PSPs), CBK will allow the emergency measures to expire on December 31, 2020, and PSPs will introduce revised pricing structures from January 1, 2021, with the following elements:
There will be no charge for person-to-person transfers of up to Ksh.100 to any customer and network.
There will be no charges for transfers between mobile money wallets and bank accounts.
To facilitate the integration of Savings and Credit Societies (SACCOs) with the mobile money ecosystem, SACCOs regulated by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) may levy a charge for transfers between SACCO accounts and mobile money wallets. CBK will oversee these charges in the context of the products that banks and PSPs offer to SACCOs.
Going forward, PSPs will propose pricing structures that reflect the “Pricing Principles” that CBK has introduced. These “Principles” aim to support the development of an efficient, safe, and stable payments and mobile money ecosystem where the customer and public interests are adequately protected. It is noted that the wallet and transaction limits that were announced on March 16, 2020, will remain in force as was communicated earlier. CBK will continue to monitor developments in the payments ecosystem and take any necessary actions.
We await to see what new charges that are coming our way in 2020. We expect that charges below Ksh.100 to remain nil.
The Serena Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa has reopened its doors after 8 months of being out of business due to COVID-19. The hotels is currently taking advantage of the demand for accommodation in the Coast region due to ongoing Christmas and New Year festivities.
The hotel only will operate 74 rooms initially, representing 45 percent of its capacity as it seeks to comply with Covid-19 protocols.
The room categories that re to be opened include Garden Wing rooms, luxury suites, Superior sea view and Family Rooms, the Lamu and Zanzibar Suites.
Rosemary Mugambi Serena Hotels East Africa regional sales and marketing director said, “The domestic market has been supportive, and we saw quite a demand for the Mara in July and August due to the migration.”
In a statement, the hotel said, “Serena Hotels wish to inform you that Serena Beach Resort and Spa is set to reopen on the December 15. The resort will be open with a new approach to its product, experiential and service delivery.”
According to Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers executive officer for the Coast region, many hotels and hospitality facilities are recovering from the dip in bookings recorded during the Easter and August holidays.
In March, hotels were forced to scale down their operations or even closed as they recorded reduced or no bookings at all. This was due to measures put in place to stop the spread of novel corona virus.
The measures saw cancellation of flights and travel restrictions within the country. Now, hotels are now projecting up to 50 per cent occupancy for the month of December 2020.
The Serena Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa joins other players that seek to take advantage of the booming Christmas season.
Sarova Hotels Restaurants: Sarova Hotels and Resorts, a respected hotel chain in the country, has ventured into the restaurant business. This had been necessitated due to the effect COVID-19 had had on the hotel chain.
Already the hotel chain has opened two restaurants in the city. Chiso- At Urban Eatery in Westlands will focus on Japanese, Malay, Thai, Indonesian, and Chinese food.
The other restaurant called the Kitchen will offer a variety of Western, African, and Indian food.
The two hotels that were opened on Tuesday, are targeting the city’s middle class to remain afloat at a time the country is seeing fewer foreign visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged nations.
The number of tourists fell by over two thirds in the month between January –October 2020.
The country only received about 500,000 in the first 10 months down from 1.7 million received during the same period last year. This translates to Sh109 billion in revenue loss in the hospitality industry.
Already major hotel chains such as the Stanley and Sarova continue to hurt from low arrivals in major national parks in the country. More so, parks such as Lake Nakuru continue to be under record volume of water.
Jimi Kariuki, Sarova managing director said, “Taking our cuisine brands out of our hotels and making them stand-alone restaurants is our latest new development. This has been a very challenging year for the hospitality industry. But despite this, we at Sarova have seen this as an opportunity to innovate and to be creative through ‘exporting’ our cuisine experiences outside of our hotels.”
He added, “We feel the market has become quite sophisticated in terms of cuisines and that’s why we decided to venture outside the hotel. Urban Eatery is a trendy dining space, which offers different kitchens that offer different cuisines. Sarova has taken up two of the kitchens which will be branded.”
Sarova hotels enter into a market that boasting other major restaurants such as Java, Urban Burger, Artcaffe, and Nyama Mama.
It is expected that the Sarova Hotels restaurants will inject some competition business, as it will be charging up to 15% less than it charges at the hotels.
Does Spider Coach online booking exist? One of my followers asked that question to me. I did not have a straight answer; I had to research and find all about Spider Coach.
What I am sharing with you, including whether they have an online booking portal, contacts, and destinations, is what I found out.
Spider Coach (and I hope it does not bit like a spider), is a bus company that operates to various destinations in East Africa.
Its base is the city of Kampala but operates to other cities in the region, a truly international bus company.
Spider Coach Destinations and Fares
The bus company operates on major routes from Kampala, though its main route is the Kampala-Nairobi. It is a direct competition on major highways in East Africa to companies such as Tahmeed, Modern Coast, and Dar Express.
Its main routes are as shown below. Fares have also included. Note that the fares are in Uganda Shillings. You can check here for exchange rates.
Route
Price
Kampala- Bukoba
35000
Kampala- Runzewe
60000
Kampala-Kahama
80000
Kampala-Nzega
100000
Kampala- Singinda
110000
Kampala-Dodoma
125000
Kampala-Morogoro
160000
Kampala- Dar es salaam
160000
Kampala-Lusaka
350000
Kampala-Lilongwe
350000
Kampala-Nairobi
70000
Kampala-Nakuru
60000
Kampala-Naivasha
60000
Kampala- Kisumu
55000
Kampala-Kericho
55000
Kampala-Busia
35000
Kampala-Iringa
160000
Kampala-Mbeya
210000
Kampala-Tunduma
270000
Kampala-Lubumbasho
360000
Kampala-Harare
400000
Kampala-Bulawayo
500000
Note that the fare can change without notice.
Spider Coach Online Booking
Spider coach does not have a booking portal. You can only your ticket at their booking offices in the cities listed above.
Better still, you can use the contact information below and inquire from them how to book your seat.
Look And Feel of the Coaches
The company operates Nissan Ud model buses that have a 2×2 seating arrangement. The seats have enough legroom, enough space with neighboring seats, and are generally comfortable.
Moreover, there is onboard entertainment, charging ports, and free water for all travelers.
As I always do, I always bring you actual reviews from actual passengers who have used their services to give a picture of what to expect once you commit yourself.
To begin us of is Louis Omoya who says,
“To Spider bus staff in Kampala treated me unfairly last week when u traveled to Tanzania.
I was asked to pay 100 UGX to transport a luggage in boot. I felt this amount was too high.
When I asked for receipt, the two gentlemen became very angry. They refused! I did not pay the amount they asked.
Eventually they gave me the excuse that the luggage was too large to fit in boot. Therefore, I had to return it.
I was very disappointed but traveled nonetheless.
The two staff of Spider coach behave unprofessional in several ways; over charging clients, refusing to issue receipts for luggage, letting their temper rise against customer.
I hope they can improve!”
“Had the worst experience traveling in spider coach. Very arrogant rude n dirty bus conductors who have no respect for passengers. The bus was in a terrible mechanical state and every time had to be restarted manually. Bus operators were chewing funny leaves throughout the journey. My journey was disgusting because of Spider coach, “says Martha Lito Romant.
Final Word
Spider bus operates on major highways in the East Africa region. They are a Kampala based company with services to all the neighboring countries.
Apart from offering passenger services, they also offer parcel services within the region.
If you were looking for Spider coach online booking, then am sorry to have disappointed you. They do not have an online booking portal.
The best you can do is get to their booking office to get you ticket.
Have you ever traveled with Spider Coach? What was your experience like? Share with us.
Petroleum prices in Kenya continue to rise after global prices rose in the month of November with more pain expected in the month of January 2020 when the economy is expected to fully reopen and children going back to school.
According to data seen by ShopaXo, retailers were buying petrol at 106.82 in Nairobi a rise of Ksh. 0.97 while diesel and Kerosene rose to Ksh. 91.82 and Ksh. 83.56 a jump of Sh1.12 and Sh1.93 respectively.
Market Oil prices rose to hit $50.36 per barrel on Friday buoyed by hopes that more countries will soon roll out the COVID-19 vaccine, accelerating economic growth and that more travel will fuel demand for fuel.
Since covid-19 hit economies from December 2019, oil uptake has been low, but the announcement that there was a possible vaccine for the disease has awaked the markets.
The energy regulatory is set to review the prices in January 2020, thus putting a lot of pressure on the prices at the pump.
However, after the price of diesel rose above $50 per barrel in the global market, consumers are expected to enjoy a State subsidy on fuel thus cushioning motorists.
According to the Ministry of Energy, consumers will not bear the cost above $50 a barrel for diesel. The subsidy does not cover petrol.
The subsidy is meant to cushion consumers from volatility in fuel prices. The monies from the subsidy will come from monies raised from fuel consumers through the Petroleum Development Levy. Petroleum prices in Kenya affect all aspects of the economy from consumer goods, transport costs, and other commodities
