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How to Check If a Digital Lender Is Licensed by CBK

More than 500 loan apps were pulled from the Google Play Store in Kenya in a single enforcement wave, after operating without a licence. By one industry count, of roughly 800 lending apps that have applied for a Central Bank of Kenya licence since digital lending took off, only around a quarter actually made it through. If you've ever downloaded a loan app on a friend's recommendation without checking whether it's actually regulated, here's how to find out in under two minutes. Why This Actually Matters An unlicensed lender isn't just operating in a legal grey area, it typically means none of Kenya's borrower protections apply to you. Licensed Digital Credit Providers are legally required to disclose the full Total Cost of Credit upfront, give borrowers a 24-hour cooling-off period, and are barred from harassment tactics like messaging everyone in your phone contacts over a missed payment. Unlicensed lenders routinely ignore all of it, and because they're no...
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Damaged Undersea Cable Disrupts Internet Connectivity Across Africa: Houthi Involvement Suspected


In a significant development impacting digital communication across Africa, a damaged undersea cable has led to widespread loss of internet connectivity in various regions. The affected cable, belonging to SEACOM, a prominent provider of connectivity to businesses and companies in Africa, has resulted in disruptions that are particularly affecting Nigerian businesses.

The cause of the damage to the undersea cable remains under investigation, with multiple factors being considered. One potential cause suggested by Israeli media outlets is the involvement of Houthi forces, who have been targeting cargo ships in the region as part of their support for Hamas during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Houthis, an armed political and religious group in Yemen, have recently been engaged in aggressive actions in the Red Sea, including the hijacking of a commercial ship and launching missile and drone attacks on other vessels. These activities have raised concerns about their potential involvement in damaging the undersea cables critical for internet connectivity.

Oliver Fortuin, the Group CEO of SEACOM and a former Group Enterprise officer at MTN, highlighted the extensive impact of the cable damage. He mentioned that not only SEACOM's cable but also cables operated by other telecom operators like TGN, Europe-one, and Europe India Gateway were affected.

The Europe India Gateway cable, in particular, connects several countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, highlighting the broader ramifications of the connectivity disruption. Tata Communications, operator of the TGN cable, confirmed service disruptions due to cable damage near Yemen, affecting connectivity in various regions.

Repair efforts are underway, with SEACOM and its repair partner E-marine awaiting permits to commence repairs in the Red Sea. However, the geopolitical complexities of the situation,  are expected to delay the repair process significantly.

Countries primarily affected by the internet connectivity disruptions include those in East Asia, Egypt, and Kenya. The extent of the impact on these regions underscores the critical importance of undersea cables in maintaining global digital connectivity and the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions in safeguarding these vital communication channels.

Disclaimer: This news release is based on available information and ongoing investigations. Details may be subject to change as new information becomes available.

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