The mobile services wars in Kenya is getting hotter by the day, with Celtel introducing a ‘free’ call service and an internet service, while Safaricom are taking their customers by storm with their hot spot internet service (supported by 3G technology). However what seems to be tight rivalry for the market share between the two has little to do with competition. It’s all about the entry of Telkom (Orange) and Econet who are set to roll out their services by the end of this year. Even Celtel, whose customer base reduced by 23% last year, seem to be fighting for their share in the market (albeit a confused marketing strategy) and hoping to technically eat into Safaricom’s market share. I like what is happening since only the consumers stand to gain for all these reduced prices and new-better services. I want to believe that by time Econet and Telkom will be fully in business the highest calling rate will be Ksh.5 with the internet going for Ksh.1,000 p.m. lets wait and see.Even higher food prices:
As if the 50% rise in food prices in Kenya is not enough, a law that all food products sold in Kenya should bear an approval mark from KEBS as from October, is going to increase food prices even higher. I appreciate the noble intentions of the regulation but the timing is so wrong. For a generation that was raised on substandard goods and services – where even the education system was compromised – the KEBS fee can wait for another day.
