June - August g 2009
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KENYAN CLASSICAL FUSION A MUSICAL ODYSSEY
THIS MONTH
June - August 2009
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MANAGING EDITOR: Chris Muthama ACTING EDITOR: Maryann Michuki CONTRIBUTORS: Craig Bishop, Jane Barsby, Patricia Hughes Scott, John Kamakiru, Chebet Karago, Julie Masiga, Candice Miranda, Wangui Thuo PHOTOGRAPHY: Charlie Grieves-Cook, Gina Din Corporate Communications, Alex Kamweru, Duncan Willetts PUBLISHERS: East African Magazines Ltd, Nairobi PRINTING: Colourprint, Nairobi ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: The Option Magazine Safaricom Limited P.O. Box 46350- 00100 Nairobi, Kenya theoption@safaricom.co.ke www.safaricom.co.ke
The editorial content and individual opinions expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Safaricom Ltd. Neither Safaricom nor the Publishers accept any responsibility for the content. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from Safaricom.
Inside 1 2 4 6 11 12 15 16 18 20 23 24 26 29 30 32 34 35 38
Editor’s letter From the CEO What’s news? Kenyan Classical Fusion Win! The new Jambo Contact Centre Tips on buying a mobile Our Passions Pay bills with M-PESA Meet our Safaricom team Making Kenya green All about the Blackberry Bold Dial 24/7 Cellphone funnies The latest gadgets Technology: Bluetooth uncovered Stay connected in East Africa Caroline Mutoko’s world What’s hot!
40 Safaricom shops
WIN a Dell Vostro Laptop!
Tech news
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Ed’s letter
In this edition, we cover some ground-breaking events that have taken place within Safaricom in the last two months. In the true spirit of community involvement, Safaricom organised the hugely popular Classical Fusion music event in April (page 6). For those of us who are not musically minded, this was going to be a first, paying an affordable Ksh500 to listen to worldclass classical music on our own doorstep. The event was worth every single cent. The 4 000 c guests, talented artists, melodious choirs, gripping live performances and variety of instruments g rreally was piece of musical heaven down at the Impala Club. Read about this, and more, inside. Safaricom is also proud to announce the launch of its brand new Jambo Contact Centre Safar (page 12), a state-of-the-art call centre (and more!) situated on Mombasa Road. This piece of architectural genius has been designed to offer Safaricom customers worldclass customer service. The centre currently sits 1 200 customer care representatives and has drastically improved service levels. The centre has been custom built to ensure customer care personnel are taken care of, and their needs are met as much as possible. Facilities range from a fully equipped gymnasium, a crèche, giant fish tanks p where brightly coloured tropical fish swim around oblivious to what’s going on around w them, game rooms, a library, food courts and even a standby doctor! th Last but certainly not least, M-PESA has now launched its Pay Bill service (page 18), allowing you to pay your bills from the comfort of your home, office or favourite restaurant. all Talk about the march of technology. Safaricom is walking the extra mile for you, our Ta customer. Read all about our landmark event and the latest services we’re offering, all of cus which are underway as we speak. Enjoy! whi Chris Muthama, Managing Editor C The Option June - August 2009
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Foreword
s we enter the second quarter of this year, our vision of being Africa’s best company is on the inside track. In an increasingly crowded market that has lately been assailed by the aftershocks of a prolonged global recession, Safaricom stays ahead through our leadership in product innovation and our commitment to customer service. Nowhere is this more visible than our loyalty to ethical business in our dealings with colleagues and customers alike. We believe ethical business is profitable business and this mantra transcends all our brands and activities in the market. The Code of Conduct, to which all of us have signed allegiance and which we continuously amplify through refresher clinics for all staff, requires nothing less than the highest standards of business integrity from us. But we are also alive to the fact that we are only as ethical as our inbuilt defenses against corruption’s many manifestations in a fast-paced business, whether we directly face customers or offer support services in the back office. Each one of us needs to be constantly vigilant to ensure we maintain 100 per cent integrity at all times. Our data product is flying off the shelf, a further demonstration of our leadership in product innovation and growth. What our data customers
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PHOTOGRAPH: DUNCAN WILLETTS
From the CEO get and expect from us is the same signature quality that has become our hallmark over the years; a speedy, bankable service that answers the needs of both the home and business user anywhere in Kenya. Currently, there are many claims about providing mobile data services, but only Safaricom with its 3G network can really provide broadband highspeed data to its customers. We are providing many individuals and firms with the best data speeds by any provider in this market. The international component of connection has been the chink in Kenya’s quest for better Internet services. This realisation is behind our considerable investment in the country’s quest for a fibre optic link with the rest of the world. Safaricom is providing leadership and has already put money in this venture, both in equity and as an advance buyer of capacity. These initiatives will underpin better services for all our customers. The success of Safaricom is due to the exceptional talent we have assembled in all functions. Our corporate citizenship is built on the fact that we are only as successful as the society in which we do business and from which we draw our loyal customers, our biggest asset. Safaricom employees continue to give back through a number of long-term and sustainable initiatives in sport, education, health and culture.
Michael Joseph Chief Executive Officer
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We’re here for you Safaricom is proud to be associated with endeavours that show the human spirit at its best, whether through business success, social action or excellence in sport
SAFARICOM SUPPORTS KENYA OPEN SECOND YEAR RUNNING
From the shores of California to the Indian Ocean beaches, volleyball brings the world together. The first leg of the Kenya Beach Volleyball Council’s (KBVC) national circuit in April was – thanks to Safaricom’s sponsorship – a resounding success. In all, 13 men’s teams, six women’s, four mixed couples, and two novice teams made up the four categories which battled it out for the winners’ trophies, medals and cash prizes. In attendance were the provincial director of sports, Felix Indakwa, Josh Collins of Safaricom, Rosemary Muthoni, station manager of DHL, and staff from Pirates Restaurant, which hosted the event. Edward Kisaka, vice chairman of the Kenya Volleyball Federation, represented the parent body. KBVC chairperson, Patricia Hughes-Scott said that the sport encouraged young people to keep fit and was also a great source of tourism revenue.
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South Africa’s David Hewan tees off in the 2009 Tusker Open Golf Tournament in Nairobi.
Okoa Jahazi Safaricom has launched another first aimed at adding greater value for subscribers. The new credit advance service will enable PrePay subscribers access to airtime on credit, enabling them to make calls in situations where they cannot immediately purchase airtime, or in an emergency. Okoa Jahazi will allow PrePay subscribers to access a fixed Ksh50 credit advance and repay within 72 hours with a subsequent top-up. To be eligible, customers must have less than Ksh5 in balance, and must have been a PrePay customer for at least 12 months. The subscriber should also have no outstanding advance credit, and usage should amount to more than Ksh50 in the previous seven days.
PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, GINA DIN CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Beach volleyball
With excellent golfing conditions, the 2009 Tusker Open Golf Tournament was held between 15th and 19th April, on the greens of Muthaiga. But it was not the fairytale the Kenyan contingent were hoping for, in golfing terms at least. Safaricom CEO, Michael Joseph noted the importance of the firm’s involvement, saying that as a Professional Golfers Association (PGA) event it not only continues to enhance Kenya’s image on the global map, but offers Kenyan golf professionals the opportunity to play against their peers from all over the world. In addition to its Ksh10 million sponsorship, Safaricom provided reporters with an ultra-modern media centre, facilitating fast and efficient, realtime communication. The centre was equipped with computers boasting high internet speeds supported by Safaricom’s 3G network and a mobile base station dubbed “Cell on Wheels”.
on the wire Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph presented the Kenyan rugby sevens team members with cheques worth Ksh 250 000 each for their performance in Dubai.
NATIONAL TEAM LAUDED FOR SEVENS HEAVEN Safaricom has applauded the Kenyan national sevens team for its exemplary performance at the fifth Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in Dubai. The 12-man squad, plus coach Benjamin Ayimba received Ksh3 250 000, with each player pocketing Ksh250 000, after having qualified for the semi-finals in the tournament, in which they eventually lost to Argentina.
Safaricom had earlier announced a cash pledge to the team ahead of the tournament where each member of the playing squad was to receive Ksh500 000 if they got to the finals of the main cup competition, and Ksh250 000 per player for making it to the semis. This was when the team paid a courtesy call to Safaricom House to present CEO Michael Joseph with a team shirt.
Joseph said that the team had, in the past, beaten the best sides in the world and that fans were convinced that it would not be long before they brought the overall winners’ trophy on to Kenyan soil. The national sevens team made the semis after defeating Fiji in the quarter-finals. In the group stages, Kenya beat Tunisia and Hong Kong, but lost to England in the last game.
Make a difference We all dream of being paid to do something we love while making a difference. This has now become a reality for Safaricom staff. The World of Difference initiative allows staff to take three months away from their daily work to take part in a community project of their choice. The initiative was launched during the five-year anniversary of the Safaricom Foundation and will allow staff to contribute their knowledge, skills and expertise to needy communities. Selection is carried out on a competitive basis, with each team comprising four people from a multi-disciplinary background, working in partnership with their project of choice. The successful team will receive an opportunity to work with their selected project partner and local community on a full time basis for a year. Q Moody Awori, former VP of Kenya, at the launch of the World of Difference initiative, which coincided with the ďŹ ve year anniversary of the Safaricom Foundation.
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Listen to the music
WORDS: JULIE MASIGA A K PHOTOGRAPHS: CHARLIE GRIEVES-COOK
A fabulous fusion of orchestra, opera, jazz, gospel and our very own Kenyan music wowed guests at the first Kenyan Classical Fusion festival
Levi Wataka conducting the Kenya Conservatoire of Music Orchestra. Singer Thelma Mbodze.
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et me admit something from the outset: I have never been a classical music fan. I usually go cross-eyed with boredom at the first stroke of a violin. I was your ultimate philistine – a complete popular music junkie – until, that is, I heard about Safaricom’s fusion of classical music. The publicity surrounding the event made it sound sexy. Hip. Du jour. It seemed sinful not to give it a chance. So, one Friday night in April, we got suited up and made our way up the hill to the newly refurbished Nairobi Museum for the first instalment of the Safaricom Kenyan Classical Fusion festival. I would not regret it. It was an outdoor concert, under an overcast sky. The imposing pillars
that distinguish the new museum facade made for a very romantic back drop. The show was scheduled to start at 7.30pm, but guests began to arrive at about 6pm, whereupon they were welcomed with drinks in the courtyard. Beaus and belles all milled about, ball gowns sweeping the floor, sharp suits cutting through the evening air, mixing and mingling over cocktails. When the bell tolled, signalling guests that the concert was about to start, we were ushered into the performance area. Seating was organised in a semicircle facing a stage illuminated by dozens of sparkly lights. The lovely soprano Elizabeth Njoroge was the mistress of
kenyan CLaSSICaL FUSIOn
Members of the Conservatoire strings prepare during the concert.
ceremonies for the night and, in her soothing operatic voice, she wasted no time getting the ball rolling. First up was Michael Joseph, Safaricom CEO and classical music aficionado. It was several months ago, while in idle conversation with soprano Elizabeth Njoroge – the proprietor of the Art of Music company and Classics magazine – that Joseph had the idea of fusing local and international cultures through classical music. The crowds that turned up were a testament to the success of his vision. It certainly turned this philistine into a believer! Mr Joseph thanked the full house for their attendance, cracked a few jokes to break the ice and then the
music began. The curtain-raiser was the regionally famous Nairobi Chamber Chorus conducted by seasoned musician Ken Wakia. They started off with a Luhya folk song in a classical style, but still distinctly African sounding. Divine. The Chamber Chorus went on to tickle our musical fancy with pieces from South Africa, Canada and the US, before ending on a light note with a classical rendition of Swedish pop group Abba’s Thank You for the Music. After this rhythmic and melodic introduction, proceedings moved seamlessly on to the main act, a performance by the world famous English a capella group, Voces8, performing in Kenya for the first time. The award-winning group has Z
Popular Afro-pop sensation Eric Wainaina gave a sterling performance.
The Option June - August 2009
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The Safaricom Choir performing with their CEO, Michael Joseph.
Conductor Ken Wakia in action under the fairy lights. Voces8, the award-winning British a cappella octet.
established itself as the foremost young British a cappella group, since coming on to the classical music scene in 2005. They have been praised for “a sound that spans the whole range of vocal colour”. And if their jubilant, vibrant and technically sound performance was anything to go by, that is no empty accolade. They moved gracefully, like a finely cut gemstone on a pendulum, from one side of the musical spectrum to the other, sampling early polyphonic pieces, unique jazz and even popular arrangements that included George Gershwin’s I got Rhythm and Otis Blackwell’s Fever. Certainly a joy to hear. So joyful, in fact, that even the rain, which was threatening to fall, held back to have a listen. Fast forward to Sunday afternoon, after the festival had made a pit stop
Grace Nangabo (soprano) and Jonathan Opinya (bass).
The Kenya Conservatoire of Music gave one of the most powerful performances at the concert.
kenyan CLaSSICaL FUSIOn The Moipei Quartet during their performance.
at the coast. The rain came down with a vengeance, but the guests sat entranced through the concert. Tourists and expatriates mixed good-naturedly with locals in an ode to all things musical. The Nairobi Chamber Chorus sang again, as did Voces8. By the end of the day, more than 120 performers had taken to the stage, including the Kenya Conservatoire of Music Orchestra, the Nairobi Orchestra, the Moipei Girls Quartet, sopranos Elizabeth Njoroge and Grace Nangabo, piano maestro
Children enjoying the outdoor concert.
Paul Nduati, cultural fusionists Kachumbari 7, the Safaricom Choir and several other equally talented musicians. Aptly for a festival billed as a classical fusion extravaganza, the classically trained Eric Wainaina showcased his unique blend of benga under the cover of a gentle African drizzle. As they say in Africa, rain is a sign of God’s blessing. In his closing remarks, Mr Joseph promised the audience that the festival will be back next year. Q
Guests enjoy the ambience of the Friday concert
The Nairobi Chamber Chorus performing at the Friday concert.
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kenyan CLaSSICaL FUSIOn The Kenya Conservatoire of Music in action during the concert.
Dromadary rides were one of the activities available.
{ } TOURISTS AND EXPATRIATES MIXED GOOD-NATUREDLY WITH LOCALS IN AN ODE TO ALL THINGS MUSICAL
Guests enjoy the festivities at the outdoor concert on Sunday.
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WIN, WIN, WIN
WIN a Dell Vostro Laptop! SMS your answers and stand a chance to win one of three fabulous prizes
3 FABULOUS PRIZES 1ST PRIZE – a Dell Vostro Laptop goes to the 2 000th entry 2ND PRIZE – a Safaricom Internet Modem powered by 3G goes to the 1 000th entry 3RD PRIZE – a 700 MB Data Bundle goes to the 500th entry
How to win Send an SMS with your name, age, occupation and city/town to 311 in one SMS, separating each with a comma. You will then receive an SMS prompting you to answer the three questions in the boxes. Send your answers (codes only) to the three questions in one SMS, separating each by a comma (for example 6,4,13). Send your answers to short code 311. Just Ksh3.50 per SMS! Winners will be contacted directly by the mobile: 0729 333333. Competition closing date is 31 August 2009. Subscribers who answer all questions correctly and SMS their answers to the correct number stand a chance to win.
First SMS Name, age, occupation, city/town
Second SMS questions
3. Which story/stories in this The Option magazine captivated you the most?
1. Which statement below best
STORY
describes how you got hold of your copy of The Option?
On the Wire
1
Kenyan Classical Fusion
2
Making Contact
3
M-PESA
4
Our World
5
Dial 24/7
6
Techno Bytes
7
Meet the Team
8
Lifestyle
9
What’s Hot
10
Our Passions
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Celeb Watch
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STATEMENT I was given it by a friend/family member
CODE 1
I collected it from the Safaricom offices
2
I got my copy from a Safaricom retail centre
3
I normally get it delivered to my physical address
4
I got hold of it from a dealer shop
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2. Which of the statements below best applies to your situation? STATEMENT
CODE
This is the first The Option magazine I have ever read.
1
I have read several issues of The Option magazine, but only because I always stumble on it.
2
I always go out of my way to try and get myself a copy of The Option magazine.
3
CODE
And the winners are The winners from the March - May 2009 issue competition are: 1 000th entry - Blackberry 8300 winner, Nelly Rombo, admin assistant, Nairobi. 500th entry - Nokia 5000 winner Dennis, entrepreneur, Narok. 100th entry - Vodafone 125 winner Sylvia Omboga, banker, Nairobi.
Brought to you by Safaricom, in association with Mobile Planet The Option June - August 2009
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Happy to help Highy trained staff at Safaricom’s new Jambo Contact Centre handle thousands of calls each day
Pauline Warui, chief customer care officer, overlooks one of the workstation at the centre.
ith the launch of its Jambo Contact Centre, Safaricom has proved it is the leader among mobile phone service providers when it comes to innovation. This first state-of-the-art call facility was set up to address the growing Safaricom customer base, and the escalation in subscribers’ needs that have not only become more sophisticated, but require timely and informed solutions. Safaricom broke out of the mobile phone service providers’ fold in 2007
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when the company introduced the GSMA Global Mobile Awards winner, M-PESA money transfer facility, which enables customers to transfer money to other mobile phone users, withdraw cash, buy airtime, pay bills or make loan repayments safely and affordably using the mobile phone. The new Jambo Contact Centre, or JCC, as it is popularly known, became operational in November 2008 and is situated in a large building on Mombasa Road. According to the chief customer
care officer in charge of the centre, Pauline Warui, the JCC can handle four times the number of calls that were being handled at the previous call centre in Westlands. Warui, who has over 10 years experience in customer care, says, “This is not just a call centre. It is a contact centre, an all important ‘interface’ that has been set up to create a touch point with our 13 million customers. It is a place where we add value to customers’ enquiries and resolutions by offering
MAKING CONTACT
Clockwise from top left: the Jambo Call Centre; two of the 600 customer care staff at work answering queries; the serene decor inside the centre; customer care trainees undergo a session inside the JCC building; staff enjoy a break in the cafeteria at the JCC.
technical support at different levels. We want to give all our customers a delightful experience.” Currently, the call centre, which embraces the “Happy to Help” theme, is manned by more than 1 500 staff members and has a capacity for over 1 000. Staff work in shifts to provide 24-hour customer support and they handle around 100 000 calls a day. The latest technology has been employed in the telephony and data system tools. Calls to the front
office and other external customer correspondence, which can be as basic as enquiries about credit limits, and as complex as data set-ups and activations, are directed to the call centre where quality analysts monitor calls to ensure that the customer is receiving the best solution to their inquiry. This also helps the analysts identify areas that need improvement. At any given time, 600 customer care staff are on-hand, ready to respond to subscribers’ calls. During a recent visit to the JCC, I realised
that the tranquil façade of the huge building – with a blue roof, cream walls and fronted by huge white columns – belied activities inside the building. This was especially true when I came across the 600 customer service staff: headphones on, hard at work responding to subscriber needs. Surprisingly, the atmosphere is also serene. Although there is lots of buzz and quick movement of hands as staff receive and solve customer Z problems, the ringing tones are The Option June - August 2009
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MAKING CONTACT
subdued and there are no raised voices: evidence of the intensive in-house training staff undergo. In the training rooms, I found 180 trainees working hard to fulfill the eight-week training required of them before they are able to man the phones. Around the gym, cafeteria and other areas away from the workstations, the atmosphere is easy-going. Staff stopped to say hello and happily showed me around their new work areas. There are six distinct work areas, or zones, in the centre, each named after a wild animal, among them Chui and Nyati. Each zone has training and interview rooms with television screens. The centre also has eight training rooms, each named after prominent writers, including Wahome Mutahi and Wole Soyinka, and several management offices. Warui says that with the increase in Safaricom’s customer base, more information has been up-loaded to the Interactive Voice Response (IVR), which can handle 60% of the daily enquiries. This automated processing of inbound phone calls will, among other things, direct customers to the nearest customer care centre. “We provide customer support to our Postpay and Prepay customers, corporate clients who require data products, M-PESA agents and Safaricom dealers. A customer can also call the directory service (191) for a one-off fee of Ksh20 to
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enquire about a telephone number,” Warui says. At the main reception, a huge aquarium straddling two columns forms a picturesque backdrop. The inside of the building is painted in warm earth colours and huge aquariums and young palm plants line the corridors separating the different zones. The work areas are spacious and warm. “That is deliberate,” Warui says. “Safaricom values its people and believes in a comfortable working environment for high performance and delivery of results. We want the ‘feel good’ factor to be passed on to our customers.” The location of the JCC, 17kms from Nairobi’s central business district, ensures that staff are able to concentrate on their work. When staff members need to take a break from the headphones, they can choose to go to a fully equipped gym with steam and sauna, a game room with tennis and pool tables, a prayer room, cyber café, library, and, of course, a rest room. Other facilities include a doctor on
site 24-7, a feeding room and crèche for infants, M-PESA, canteen and rooms next to workstations where water and tea are available all day. “We want to provide a calm working environment for our busy team members, because we realise that a busy call centre business like ours can be very demanding,” Warui says. Staff at the centre receive intensive training in-house to be able to achieve and maintain high standards. “Everything at this call centre has been tailored to benefit the end user. We want the customer to know that we take their concerns and feedback seriously and are dedicated to giving solutions to all their problems by providing a service that will add value to their Safaricom experience,” Warui points out. The JCC will revolutionise Safaricom subscribers’ customer care experience, much in the same way that M-PESA proved to be a vital service for many Kenyans –proof indeed that Safaricom really is the better option among mobile phone service providers. Q
CALL 24/7
PREPAY: Call 100 (free), or +254 (0)722 002 100 (chargeable at Ksh8 per minute from your safaricom line). Email: customercare@safaricom.co.ke
POSTPAY/ADVANTAGE: 200 (free), or +254 (0)722 002 200 (chargeable at Ksh7 per minute from your Safaricom PostPay line). Email: advantage@safaricom.co.ke
WORDS: CHEBET KARAGO; PHOTOGRAPHS: ALEX KAMWERU
Far left: Millicent Njue, the librarian at the centre. Left: Keeping fit at the office - a staff member preparing for her workout session at the gym based inside the JCC building.
DOs & DON’Ts
It’s your call When you are buying a new cellphone, you need to decide exactly what it is you need it to do for you, writes Craig Bishop
Spoilt for choice That might be how you feel when you look at all the different makes of cellphones on the market these days. They all have different gimmicks, so what exactly do you need your hand-held to do for you. Is your eyesight poor? Perhaps you need a model with a big screen. Perhaps internet access is important, or a camera or the ability to download your favourite ring tones. Whatever your personal preferences, there are several factors you should always take into account when getting connected. Example: Nokia N97
Surf’s up Being able to access the internet allows you to surf the latest news, sports, business trading, weather and gossip. This function also allows you to download information, including ring tones and games. Although many internet sites are not designed for cellphone users, Wireless Access Protocol (Wap) browsers are designed for viewing on small cellphone screens. The latest models come with a HTML browser. An added benefit is the ability to use your cellphone as a modem for your PC, although you will need to buy the correct cables for this. Example: Windows mobile devices e.g. HTC Touch HD and HTC Touch 3G, Samsung Omnia, Motorola Q9
Organise yourself Even basic handsets offer organiser applications, from an alarm clock to a currency converter and a thermometer.
PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY/GALLOIMAGES.COM
Mr Popular How many people do you know? If your business or your social life revolves around always being available to network, you need a phone that can store all your contacts. In addition, voice dialing, which allows you to make a call without pressing any buttons, is perfect for when you need your hands to do something else. Example: Phones that have memory cards such as Nokia E and N series
Lights, camera, action Whether you fancy yourself as another Ridley Scott, or you just want snapshots of your firstborn taking his or her first steps, many cellphones offer decent photo resolution. It’s all about the megapixels: the more, the merrier, as they say. Example : LG Viewty KE 990
Bluetooth This lets you connect your cellphone to a computer or another cellphone to exchange or download music, images, text and games.
Multimedia Message me Text and multimedia messages are crucial for the modern human being, especially the younger, versions. Some handsets also support instant messaging. You can also receive work and personal emails to your cellphone. This can be expensive, so enquire about frequent use packages from the service provider. Some models come with an alphabetic keyboard for faster typing. Example: Blackberry
Look out for models with a digital music player, MP3 support, FM radio, streaming video and 3G wireless broadband networks. Downloading data takes up a lot of memory space, so buy a model with a detachable memory card. Example: Nokia 5130 Xpress Music Q
Accessorise If you want the trendiest cellphone in town, buy a model that allows you to play around with colours and faceplates. Most phones offer a range of personal options, such as display wallpaper, screen savers, and ring tones.
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Helping hands Safaricom’s involvement in social issues is an indication of the company’s passionate determination to add value to our world Staff plant a tree for the Safaricom Foundation’s Ngare Ndare tree planting initiative.
PARTNERS FOR LIFE The Safaricom Foundation is offering staff the chance to take part in a life-changing experience through its World of Difference initiative, which aims to help the neediest communities in Kenya Fred Waithaka of Safaricom mentors a student in the Junior Achievement Kenya programme.
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he Safaricom Foundation is inviting staff to sign up on a competitive basis and to work in community programmes of their choice, contributing their professional skills, knowledge and expertise to the day to day activities in various charity and aid organisations. Staff members must form teams of four from multi-disciplinary backgrounds and come up with a proposal on how they intend to work together for the year, with the organisation of their choice. The criteria used to assess the teams includes commitment, skills, experience and the sustainability of
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their proposed approach towards the World of Difference initiative. The successful team will work with their selected project partner on a full time basis for a year. Each member will work for three months before handing over to the next team member, after which they will resume their normal role at Safaricom. During the three months, they will still receive their regular pay and benefits from Safaricom, and they will be covered for any new expenses such as transport and accommodation. Project partners might include mental health institutions, environmental and conservation groups, aid organisations, youth projects, disabled groups and underprivileged groups. All the project partners are organisations that the Safaricom Foundation has worked with in the past and the present. Safaricom Foundation is taking corporate social responsibility to the next level. So far, a variety of professional roles are available for staff to choose from including IT, counselling, legal, public relations and communication, fundraising and strategic planning. The initiative was launched on 26 February this year, and the selection of successful candidates will be announced on 29 May, with the project set to kick off in earnest from July 2009 for the 12-month period. The project areas are vast and cover areas all over the country, including Nairobi, Laikipia, Kitale, Timau, Kilifi, Kisumu, Thika and Mount Kenya, among others. Remember to check future editions of The Option to see which is the winning group and how they are faring in their new roles.
OUR PASSIONS
FAMINE RELIEF Safaricom Foundation recently donated Ksh10 million towards famine relief in Kenya. Staff also reached into their own pockets to bolster the initiative housands of families face starvation in Kenya today. Children have to sit though classes with empty stomachs, while their mothers travel far from home in search of food for the family. Lack of adequate rains, escalation of food prices, as well as last year’s post-election violence, are all factors that have led to the lack of food in communities all over the country. The areas hardest hit include Yatta, Makueni and Turkana. The government and other agencies, led by Kenya Red Cross, have been distributing food to these affected areas, but they need help. Safaricom Foundation, with their donation of Ksh10 million, was among the first to contribute towards the kitty. Safaricom staff also made personal contributions. Donation boxes were put on each floor of their office block, and within
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Safaricom staff visited Ilbisil Primary School in Kajiado, where they donated food to the children and community in conjunction with the Kenya Red Cross.
a few weeks, not only was there a commendable amount of cash donations, but also a store full of foodstuff. The foundation collected Ksh217 500 and food stuff worth Ksh135 000 from staff, which Safaricom Limited then matched as an appreciation of their staff efforts and goodwill. On 20 March, a group of 25 staff representing the various divisions, set out for Kajiado for the handover, in conjunction with Kenya Red Cross. They went ahead and presented Kenya Red Cross with a cheque for Ksh435 000 and food valued at Ksh270 000. They served the community and distributed grains and other dry foods. Safaricom staff have a passion for the world around them and they refuse to miss an opportunity to help their less privileged countrymen. Q The Option June - August 2009
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Peace of mind
Safaricom’s new Pay Bill facility enables you to pay bills quickly, and on time ou know the story all too well. A bill arrives in the post and you put it to one side. You fully intend to deal with it immediately, of course, but there are a thousand and one other bits of paper demanding your attention and, somehow, it gets forgotten. In all this hurly-burly, you forget to pay the bill and the electricity is cut off, or the water, or the satellite TV. For Safaricom subscribers, however, all this is a thing of the past, thanks to the company’s new Pay Bill service. Pay Bill allows you to rest assured that all your important bills can easily be paid on time. Linked to the already popular M-PESA service, Pay Bill cuts out the middleman. Instead of writing out a cheque and sending it to your service provider, who must then clear it and credit the payment to your account, now all you have to do is confirm that the company you wish to pay accepts payments via M-PESA, then go ahead and credit the money to your Safaricom M-PESA e-account, key in the relevant business number, key in the account and payment details, and press the CONFIRM button. The M-PESA system then channels the payment to the relevant service provider and sends you a reassuring SMS to confirm that the payment has been received. Phew, we hear you say. No more spending the evening hunched over a candle, eating supper out of a can.
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HOW DO I ACCESS THIS SERVICE?
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First of all, you must register for the M-PESA service. To do this, go to your nearest M-PESA agent (there are over 8 650 nationwide), upgrade your SIM card if required (at the minimal cost of Ksh20), register yourself as an M-PESA user (it’s free) and activate the M-PESA menu on your cellphone.
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Welcome. You’re on Pay Bill. Once registered, you’re only one button away from joining the happy ranks of Pay Bill users. Now all you have to do is check that your cellphone is Pay Billenabled: select ‘My Account’ from your M-PESA menu, select ‘Update Menu’ and then follow the instructions on screen. Now no-one will ever push your buttons again. So far, some 65 service-provider partners have joined the Pay Bill service, offering services as diverse as insurance, micro-finance, motor vehicle servicing, water pumps, health services and pharmaceuticals.
M-PESA REMEMBER • Make sure that you have sufficient money in your M-PESA account to cover the sums involved. • Make sure you have all the relevant service provider account payment details before you start pushing buttons. • Make sure you have the correct business number of the service provider you wish to pay. These numbers are available on www.safaricom.co.ke, or call M-PESA customer support on 234 from your Safaricom line.
M-PESA AT A GLANCE Number of M-PESA customers to-date Number of M-PESA agents countrywide
6 175 056 8 650
Monthly value of person-to-person transfers
Ksh17.29 billion
Cumulative value of person-to-person transfers made since the launch of the M-PESA service in March 2007
Ksh135.38 billion (FIGURES AS AT MARCH 2009)
RECOGNITION FOR THE M-PESA SERVICE M-PESA, which is operated by Safaricom in Kenya in partnership with Vodafone, won the GSMA ‘Best Mobile Money Service Award’ in February 2009.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
PHOTOGRAPH: GINA DIN CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
The GSMA judges described the M-PESA service as, “an accessible and intuitive solution, reflected by an unprecedented take-up rate for a service of this kind. M-PESA will serve as a blueprint for other operators around the world. This provides a simple means for people to safely transfer and carry money.” Q
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT IF THE SERVICE PROVIDER I WISH TO SEND MY PAYMENT TO IS NOT REGISTERED WITH THE PAY BILL SERVICE? This is a relatively new service. It has been running for one year now, which means that not all service providers have completed the formalities involved. However, now that Pay Bill has proved just how useful it is, service providers are signing up daily. So, in order to check if your chosen provider has registered yet, just check the website above or ask the service provider.
HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED? You will receive an SMS message on your cell phone, which confirms the fact that your payment has been received. It contains a transaction number and we suggest you keep this as reference until you receive payment acknowledgement from the service provider, incase you need to query it. Alternatively, you can call the dedicated customer-support number of your chosen supplier: these numbers are provided on the list below, are available from the website, or can be obtained by calling Safaricom Customer Care: call 234 (for free) on your Safaricom line.
HOW LONG MUST I WAIT FOR THIS MESSAGE? You will get the M-PESA acknowledgment in seconds. The service provider will process the payment detail to your account with them in varying periods. For example, if you pay Safaricom, they update it every 30 minutes during working hours. For KPLC, please pay 2 days in advance as they update every 24 hours.
HOW MUCH DOES THE PAY BILL SERVICE COST ME? Many of our providers have elected to pay for the cost of your Pay Bill transaction, in which case the service is free to you. Alternatively you will be charged up to Ksh30 per transaction, depending on the service provider selected.
IS THE AMOUNT I CAN TRANSFER USING PAY BILL LIMITED? Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph and KPLC engineer Joseph Njoroge try out the new M-PESA system that enables KPLC customers to pay their monthly bills via M-PESA, assisted by M-PESA senior sales manager Adnan Adnan.
Existing M-PESA limits apply: the maximum transaction amount per day: Ksh70 000. Maximum amount transferable per transaction: Ksh35 000.
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Behind the scenes The professional, versatile and industrious staff at Safaricom are “happy to help”. This team is living up to its promise of delivering on Safaricom’s passions
Phyllis Waicungo Retail Support Analyst, Rex House Retail Centre
PASSION: People AT WORK: Phyllis provides second-line support to the retail centre support at the front line, including escalations, activations and follow-ups. THE CHALLENGE: With the transition from customer management to retail, the systems are also constantly changing to accommodate the new products coming up. Phyllis took it upon herself to get the staff to internalise and understand the changes between the old and the new system. HER SOLUTION: Able to handle pressure at all times, Phyllis developed a positive attitude and took the initiative to master the systems. She then gave training and coaching to the staff to embrace this new system. HER MOTIVATION: A smile from an appreciative customer gives Phyllis the drive to be at her best. HAPPIEST: With a good movie, dancing or reading an inspirational book.
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MEET THE TEAM
Kenneth Kiprop Retail Centre Support Analyst, Nakuru Retail Centre
PASSION: Innovation and creativity AT WORK: Kenneth resolves issues in the back office that cannot be resolved by the retail agents, including escalations and activations. THE CHALLENGE: Safaricom is constantly expanding and releasing new products into the market. These new product launches are communicated to all staff at the same time via email. Known for his love of all things to do with technology, colleagues will line up at Kenneth’s desk asking for explanations on the new product. HIS SOLUTION: Kenneth is already on the ball, researching all he can on the product, understanding it and looking for ways to break it down in a simple manner to colleagues. He then passes on this information to his colleagues by guiding them on how the products work rather than doing it for them. This ensures versatility. HIS MOTIVATION: Learning new products and services, sharing this information with colleagues who in turn give the Safaricom customer a highly informed and professional service. HAPPIEST: Exploring technology and catching up with Jack Bauer on the action series 24.
Muthoni Mbae Senior Retail Agent, Sarit Retail Centre
PASSION: Customers AT WORK: Muthoni deals with customer issues and processes their requests – anything from SIM card replacement and the activation of roaming services to solving handset problems. THE CHALLENGE: Difficult situations often crop up. In one instance, a customer had a billing issue for which he demanded a print-out showing a thorough breakdown of his expenses, to ascertain whether the charges were accurate. He took a seat at the shop and said that he would wait for as long as it took. HER SOLUTION: Patience is Muthoni’s key trait, which comes in handy in calming down upset clients. In this instance, Muthoni asked a colleague from the postpaid department to help her with the print-out. She then went through it with the irate customer who left the shop delighted with the customer service he had received and continued his service with Safaricom. HER MOTIVATION: The great teamwork amongst Safaricom’s employees ensures Muthoni is always ready to take on whatever challenge may come her way. HAPPIEST: When reading. She also enjoys swimming. Z
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MEET THE TEAM
Rita Mwadime Retail Centre Analyst, Buruburu Retail Centre
PASSION: Results AT WORK: Rita is tasked with attending to all customer-related issues.
THE CHALLENGE: Being newly appointed at the Buruburu Retail Centre just late last year, and with no prior exposure to Safaricom’s products and services, Rita had to ensure that both the shop and her personal revenue targets were achieved. She also needed to establish, maintain and grow her own client base. HER SOLUTION: Focus. With every free opportunity she got, Rita researched and read up on all of Safaricom’s products and services. This enabled her to always be one step ahead of the client. As a result of her diligence, Rita has managed to establish an impressive client base, and she managed to successfully attain and surpass the revenue targets set for her. HER MOTIVATION: Finding ways to be constantly new and different in her approach towards client and customer relations in an ever changing industry. HAPPIEST: When outdoors on a road trip or tackling mountain climbing.
Jackie Madowo Retail Agent, I & M Retail Centre
the ship is generating revenue, Jackie is in charge of merchandising and she ensures there is order in the shop by making it presentable and attractive to the customer. THE CHALLENGE: With a new shop as her canvas, Jackie was tasked with making the environment a customer-friendly experience that would ensure customers returned time and again. HER SOLUTION: Jackie set about designing displays and brochures, making the shop accessible to the customer. She decided to use live phones instead of dummies on the display, so that customers could enjoy a ‘real’ experience. She also trained staff in merchandising, and they are now capable of running the shop in her absence. HER MOTIVATION: Jackie has a genuine passion for helping customers. When an upset customer leaves her shop smiling, she is energised for the next challenge. HAPPIEST: While watching cartoons and animation movies, The Princess and the Pea being her favourite. Q
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PHOTOGRAPHS: ALEX KAMWERU
PASSION: The world around us AT WORK: Besides handling customers and ensuring
OUR WORLD Left: Students planting seedlings for the Total Eco Challenge tree planting initiative. Below: Nelly Githaka, Safaricom’s sponsorship manager receives the gold medal in the business category at the Total Eco Challenge awards held in November 2008.
Trees for life As part of its environmentally responsible business plan, Safaricom has partnered with Total Eco Challenge to plant 100 million trees a year et’s take a snapshot of Mother Nature. Climate change, reduced forest cover, depletion of fresh water basins, pollution, drought and famine – all point to one common theme: the urgent need for humanity to restore balance to threatened eco-systems. Countries are beginning to recognise the problem, and the publication of regional Millennium Development Goals has called for greater forest cover and the protection of valuable water catchment areas. How does this global dilemma impact on a mobile telecommunications company like Safaricom? Firstly, Safaricom has the willingness and ability to do something to alleviate the problem. Safaricom seeks to support initiatives that are geared towards environmental conservation. The protection of Kenya’s forests, tree-planting, protecting and conserving wildlife, mitigating against human-wildlife conflict and community clean-up campaigns all form a large portion of Safaricom’s environmental strategy. To this end, the Total Eco Challenge
PHOTOGRAPH: ISTOCKPHOTO, GINA DIN CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
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– primarily a tree-planting exercise – was launched in 2003, the goal being to plant 100 million trees a year. This number, believe it or not, is the minimum amount required in order for Kenya to meet its fundamental need of 10% forest cover. Safaricom is one of more than 5 000 entrants in 11 different categories which include individuals, schools, industry, non-governmental organisations and associations. Safaricom has won gold in the business category for four consecutive years, thanks to its tree-planting regime – more than 1 million trees have been planted by the company each year. An example of Safaricom’s success in tree planting is evident along the Thika Road heading out of Nairobi. These trees were planted in 2004 together with Nairobi City Council and the participation of Kibera and Mathare primary schools for World Environment Day. In 2008, the company launched ‘Trees for Knowledge’ in schools
countrywide. The Total Eco Challenge came up with a list of schools and self-help groups who had the potential and passion to grow trees. Schools that were in the process of tree planting were given endangered and/or rare seedlings. Schools in Kwale District were provided with planting bags and African Moringa and baobab seeds, both of which have important medicinal properties. All in all Safaricom has facilitated the planting of over 100 000 seedlings with the participation of more than 130 schools and children’s homes countrywide. The Agape Children’s Home in Dagoreti, which looks after of HIV-infected children, for example, has planted more than 500 nutritional and medicinal plants in just a quarter of an acre. Other beneficiaries include Maseno University, the Trees is Life, Nyahururu project, the Soysambu and Sweetwaters conservancies, the Ruiru Environmental Conservation and Education Trust, and the Tree Nursery Operators self-help group. Each of these participants has planted 3 000 indigenous trees. Q The Option June - August 2009
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Berry nice All the reviewers are saying the same thing – if you are a BlackBerry fan, you are going to love the Blackberry Bold
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SWITCHING TO SMART
The last two quarters of 2008 saw an increase in the purchases of smartphones, according to Chris Henschel, the general manager of Cellucity, and this is expected to increase even further with each new model release, such as the Blackberry Bold. And, while smartphone users have traditionally been more older professionals, Henschel says the age group between 24 and 35 are making the switch, specifically because of the unfettered access it gives them to email and social networking sites such as Facebook. According to Henschel it’s about more than just browsing the net – Blackberrys push your mails through to you, which means no more waiting for them to download. And, he says, as our employers and places of study place restrictions on what sites we can access during office hours, we’ve switched to smartphones as a way of being online and connected during our personal time.
WORDS: CRAIG BISHOP; IMAGES: GSMARENA.COM, BLACKBERRY
n a world without borders where business spans cities, countries and even continents, staying in touch has now, more than ever, become more than just a 9-5 thing – it’s a way of life. Work is no longer bound to an office or a notebook, and those valuable minutes between destinations in a taxi to and from the airport need not pass idly by. You can close deals while standing waiting to check-in, or email your final financial presentation to your secretary when you step off the plane. It’s all about being in touch. And being in touch is all about your Blackberry Bold. If you’re already one of the approximately 21 million fans around the world who’ve made the switch to the Blackberry way, then you know exactly how it’s changed your life. But for those of you still clinging to your old handset, here’s the drill: The Blackberry is a handheld,
wireless personal digital assistant (PDA) best known for its email and mobile phone capabilities, which comes in a variety of models suited to your individual needs. Are you a group CEO who needs to be reached for decisions wherever you are in the world? Blackberry’s got you covered. A PR executive who needs to network with clients after hours? There’s a Blackberry for you. A freelancer who doesn’t want to miss out on a job offer just because you’re not at a computer? How about a busy mom scheduling play dates and charity meetings, or a student who doesn’t want to miss out on the latest Facebook postings? Yup, all of you are covered, too. And in case you needed any more of a picture, consider this: the elected president of the United States in November last year, Barack Obama had one condition (well, apart from all that economy and foreign policy business) – his Blackberry was going nowhere! The device, he says, lets people around him get hold of him immediately, his way of connecting anyone who helped get him to the top. While the rest of us aren’t running countries, we still want a taste of the presidential lifestyle – something the Blackberry Bold is bringing that little bit closer to our fingertips.
lifestyle A BOLD NEW WAY
If there’s one thing that reviewers of the Blackberry Bold all agree on, it’s this – the Bold is the most complete, all-round Blackberry yet and, as one reviewer said, “the answer to every Blackberry users dreams”. It has all the hardware that Blackberry fans expect to be there – 3G, GPS, Wi-Fi, QWERTY keyboard, camera – packaged in a smooth, sleek design that fits as neatly as a smooth pebble into your palm. Here’s the breakdown:
SCREEN When the guys at theboygeniusreport.com, a site that reviews mail and phone technologies, say, “We can safely say that this is the best screen we’ve ever seen on a mobile device. Hands down,” you know you’re on to a winner. The screen is 480x320mm of pure dazzle – rich colours with no pixilation in sight, it ticks both the function and form boxes (you won’t be squinting to read an email on the Bold). In fact, the images are so inviting (even when it’s just another memo reminding you of a meeting that you have to attend) that you’ll have to hold yourself back from thinking it’s a touch-screen!
KEYBOARD Fact is, there’s no point in having a smartphone with email capabilities if your fingers are tripping over the miniscule keys half the time. And it’s here that Blackberry has won many fans, who say that it far outreaches other smartphones in this respect. And the Bold is no different! There is a slight angle shift compared to other Blackberry keys, but once you’re used to this, they’re just perfect. Gizmodo.com, another tech-review site, says this about the Bold’s keys: “They’re fantastic, like a delicately balanced wine, with a
perfect blend of springy, punchy and spongy [and] … the backlighting is beautiful.”
BODY You’ve got the stylish leather briefcase, the perfectly tailored suit and the swish shoes – so why ruin it with a phone that just doesn’t look the part? This is not a problem with the Blackberry bold, though – it’s sleek and stylish, with a modern design that really does scream, “I’m powerful and I make the decisions.” Although it’s a little wider than other Blackberry models, it still fits comfortable into one’s hands, and it also has a solid and sturdy feel.
CONNECTIONS This all depends on where you’re connecting from, but all the ways of staying online are there: 3G, GPS and Wi-Fi.
BATTERY The draw of the Blackberry Bold is that you can stay in touch wherever, whenever, without being confined to an office or your study at home. Which is why a good battery life, which the Bold has in buckets, is an absolute must! With plenty of browsing, emailing and use of the other applications, it still lasts throughout a heavy day or two on the road – and that is exactly
what you need until you can get to a power source and charge it up again.
EMAIL “What’s a BlackBerry without email?” ask the reviewers at Gizmodo.com, and they’re exactly right! The email isn’t much different from previous Blackberry models – their thinking, perhaps, was, “Why fix something that’s not broken,” – although there are a few little tweaks here and there. The screen makes the email text stand out more clearly, and you can now see pictures in messages, full HTML and attachments.
BROWSER How easy is the Bold to navigate? One user said that by the end of his first day with the Bold he was skipping easily through different applications, sending emails and browsing the web – it was that easy to get used to!
VIDEOS With the bigger, brighter screen, watching videos and browsing through photos is a great experience, and the speaker backs this up with good-quality audio. Q
WHAT THE FANS HAVE TO SAY All in all, this is the best Blackberry ever – and one which almost makes it a pleasure to be stuck doing work once you’ve left the office. And don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some users had to say:
Gizmodo.com: “This is the phone Blackberry fanatics have been waiting for.” Gizmodo.com: “It definitely sets the standard for what mobile browsers should do.” Gsmarena.com: “To Berry buffs it may be about as good as a mobile phone gets.”
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CUSTOMER CARE PREPAY 24-hour customer care line for all your Safaricom-related queries Call 100 from your Safaricom afaricom line or +254 722000100 from any other network are@ Email: customercare@ safaricom.co.ke
POSTPAY 24-hour customer aricom care line for all Safaricom customers on PostPay Pay Call 200 from your Safaricom 200 from line or +254 722000200 any other network afaricom.co.ke Email: advantage@safaricom.co.ke
Much more for your money Call from your Safaricom line to access these value-added services FREE OF CHARGE!
SAFARICOM DEALERS ALERS
SAFARICOM BUSINESS SERVICES
Manage your account CHECK YOUR PREPAY BALANCE Keep track of your airtime balance. Dial *144#
24-hour support for all Safaricom corporate subscribers Call 400 from your Safaricom line and +254 722000400 from any other network Email: businesssupport@safaricom. co.ke
TOP UP YOUR PREPAY ACCOUNT
M-PESA
Keep tabs on your PostPay balance. Dial *200# Online: https://youradvantage. safaricom.co.ke
24-hour M-PESA helpline for all M-PESA customers Call 234 from your Safaricom line and +254 722000234 from any other network Email: mpesa@safaricom.co.ke Pesapoint withdrawal service support Call +254 726853000 Email: mpesa@pesapoint.co.ke
SIMU YA JAMII Simu ya Jamii dealers’ support Call 795 from your Safaricom line Email: syj@safaricom.co.ke
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Reload your account to continue enjoying Safaricom services Dial *141*Voucher PIN#
TO CHECK YOUR POSTPAY BALANCE
TO SAMBAZA Sambaza is an airtime sharing service that allows PrePay subscribers to share airtime with friends and family. Create a new SMS message and enter # immediately after the airtime value, followed by the number you want to top up and send to 140.
TOP UP ANOTHER NUMBER DIRECTLY Safaricom subscribers can also top up another number directly. Create a new SMS and enter # immediately after the PIN, followed by the number you want to top up and send to 141.
POSTPAY BILL PAYMENT Safaricom PostPay subscribers can now pay their bill with ease at any of the following centres: • Any Safaricom Retail Centre countrywide; • M-PESA: Paybill, Business Number 200200; • Any Commercial Bank of Africa branch countrywide; • Any Co-operative Bank branch countrywide; • Any Standard Chartered Bank branch countrywide; • Any Nakumatt branch countrywide.
SIM REPLACEMENT Replace your lost or damaged SIM card at any Safaricom Retail Centre or authorised dealer countrywide. Dial *180*1*MOBILE NUMBER*PIN*NEW IMSI#
WORDS: KIMANI KAMAKIRU • PHOTOGRAPHS: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
24-hour support for all Safaricom dealers Call 300 from your Safaricom line or +254 722000300 from any other network Email: dealerhelpdesk@safaricom. co.ke
DIAL 24/7
Voice services PLEASE CALL ME Not only can you send a message to any other Safaricom subscriber asking them to call you but Safaricom subscribers get FIVE FREE SMSs per day. Dial *130*other number#
PERSONALISED VOICEMAIL SERVICES Like an answering machine, it takes your calls when the network is busy, or off, remains unanswered, or there is no network coverage. A message is stored and you can then retrieve it at the next available moment. Activate all diverts: Dial *222# Retrieve voicemail: Dial 111
VOICE SMS You can now make a voice SMS for just Ksh5. Dial 1 followed by the number, eg 1 0722004000.
CALL WAITING Call waiting provides you with notification of an incoming call while on another call, and allows you to handle another call or take a call that is waiting. Activate: Dial *43# Deactivate: Dial #43# Check status: Dial *#43#
CALL HUNTING The Call Hunting service is a PostPay solution that allows you to have 30 calls to one number, routed to your chosen numbers, eg small call centre or switchboard. Corporate PostPay tariffs apply. Call 400/ +254 722000400 for sales enquiries.
TOLLFREE SERVICES The TollFree service is an enterprise PostPay solution that allows your customers to reach your TollFree number at no charge to them. Call 400/ +254 722000400 for enquiries.
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Find it fast DIRECTORY SERVICES When you need a number, don’t reach for a pen and paper, reach for your cellphone. Each call will cost a flat rate of Ksh20 and you can request up to two numbers per call.Call 191 for any number, anywhere from your Safaricom line and +254 722000191 from any other network. Z
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DIAL 24/7
Data & messaging services TEXT 4 TEN (GROUP TEXT) Send the same message to several members of a group from a single SMS. Ksh10 per message sent. SMS to 184 and set up your group.
INTERNET AND MULTIMEDIA SETTINGS You can now surf the net from your phone and receive multimedia messages. Activate: Dial *445# from data enabled handset and save all settings. Manual settings: Access point name (APN) “safaricom”.
INSTANT INTERNET AND EDGE/GPRS DATA SERVICES Username: “saf” Password: “data”
PURCHASE DATA BUNDLES There are various data bundles that are available to Safaricom subscribers: • 300MB costs Ksh999 and to activate SMS “activate” to 446 • 700MB costs Ksh1,999 and to activate SMS “activate” to 447 • 1GB costs Ksh2,499 and to activate SMS “activate” to 448
BLACKBERRY BlackBerry keeps you connected to people and information while on the go with push-based technology that automatically delivers email and data and voice services. Activate: Dial *211#
SAFARICOM EMAIL Get your own personal email address from Safaricom FREE OF CHARGE! This service gives you 6GB of
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storage space, a calendar facility and more. Go to www.safaricom.com to set up your free email address today.
more locations outside Kenya than ever before. Safaricom has bilateral roaming agreements with GSM operators in popular international destinations.
GET IT 411 Get It 411 is an innovative information service that allows you to request information by sending an SMS message. The information that you request is instantly sent back to you by return SMS. All Safaricom subscribers have access to this service. You can access Get It 411 services through the SIM tool kit on your mobile phone.
Bonga loyalty scheme Bonga is Safaricom’s reward programme that is available to all Safaricom subscribers, both on Prepay and PostPay services. The more you use your Safaricom line, the MORE POINTS you get and the BIGGER THE REWARDS!
ENROL, CHECK AND REDEEM YOUR BONGA POINTS To enrol, check or redeem your Bonga points, simply dial *126# and follow the voice prompts. Handsets available at all Safaricom retail centres countrywide.
International travel The Safaricom Roaming Service allows you to stay connected in
EAST AFRICAN CALL RATES Safaricom, MTN Uganda, UTL Uganda Vodacom Tanzania and MTN Rwanda – the three biggest networks in eastern Africa – have partnered to offer you the most affordable, seamless and reliable way to communicate when travelling within the region on business or for pleasure. IT’S SIMPLE = your phone automatically connects with one of these networks.
PREPAY ROAMING Safari Tariff allows you to roam with your Prepay line in +40 networks in 25 countries. Activate by dialling 213 from your Safaricom line and listen to the voice prompts.
POSTPAY ROAMING Allows you to roam in +160 countries with +260 partner networks. Dial 200 from your Safaricom line to activate.
TRAVELLERS TO KENYA As a traveller to Kenya you can roam with Safaricom, the Vodafone network in Kenya. You can continue to use your existing cellphone and number to make and receive calls or SMSs. Visitors to Kenya simply select Safaricom or 63902 networks to access voice, messaging and data services while on the move. For help, dial +254 722000200 or email customercare@safarikom.co.ke. Q
PEACE OF MIND SECURITY 911
In times of need, dial 911 to access Safaricom’s emergency response system. This uses Safaricom’s network in conjunction with a rapid emergency response unit from Cartrack and other companies in Kenya’s Tracker Group. There are over 50 vehicles located at strategic sites around Nairobi ready to respond to any emergency situation, be it at your residence, roadside location or place of work, so you have total peace of mind 24/7. 911 affords you the help you need anywhere in Nairobi.
Show me the funny
Crossed lines It’s a wacky world out there
Gender fender bender
Oyunga rushes in to work one day and announces loudly, “I tell you, women drivers are dangerous! Driving to work this morning on the freeway, I looked over to my left and a woman in a Jaguar was clocking over 120km/h with her face up close to the rear-view mirror putting on her mascara. “I looked away for a couple of seconds and then the next thing I knew, she was careering all over my lane. It scared me so badly I dropped my electric shaver into my coffee, and it spilled all over my cellphone.”
ILLUSTRATION: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
OOPS! I used to work with this guy who was a real player. He got all the chicks. Anyway, he used to work at an electronics store in Nairobi, and one day a man came in enquiring about cellphones that had video functions. My mate was busy with another customer so he handed over his brand new Sanyo VM 4500, the one with a built-in video camera. “Here,” he said to the second customer. “I’m busy right now. But have a look at this and I’ll be right with you.” He had completely forgotten that he had stored several photos and videos of girlfriends on his phone. All of a sudden, he saw the customer blush furiously and smile. He had inadvertently opened a video of my friend’s girlfriend posing naked for the camera. Expecting to be soundly reprimanded, if not fired, my mate started to apologise, only to be told by the satisfied customer, “That looks perfect. I’ll take one, please!”
A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND
Forget diamonds. Cellphones are a girl’s best friend, according to a survey of single American women by Samsung Telecommunications America. “The cellphone is an integral part of the single female’s life, serving as a pocket-size detective, matchmaker, wing-woman and beyond,” says Samsung marketing VP, Randy Smith.
Among the survey findings: 32% said a man’s cellphone is a good indication of what he is like in bed. 12% said that they would be less likely to date a man who had a big and bulky cellphone. 74% look at their cellphone, rather than their watch, to tell the time. 70% said they have snooped on their significant other’s cellphone, for example, by looking through text messages or picking up their phone to see who is calling. 73% have ditched traditional paper address books for their cellphones, to keep track of contacts. The average number of cellphone contacts is 63. 34% have asked a friend to call them to interrupt a date. 48% prefer to flirt with someone they are interested in via text message when they are away from them. (SOURCE: WWW.MARKETINGCHARTS.COM)
Technology to tantalise From cellphone bling to digital accesories, these hot gadgets grab the imagination
Protective skins GelaSkins Inc is a provider of protective covers for the iPhone, iPod, laptops and the Motorola RAZR. At close to 2mm thickness, the covers are scratch resistant and use 3M’s adhesive technology, which is currently being used in other industries, including the aviation, transport and medical sectors.
Bluetooth accessories
Keep the sun out your eyes while making a phone call with these funky new sunglasses which are actually a Blutooth headset in disguise. Volume and call answer controls are located on the arm, and the unit has a talk time of 3.5 hours. Turn to page 32 for more on Bluetooth technology.
30 June - August 2009 The Option
PHOTOGRAPHS: SUPPLIED BY MANUFACTURERS
There are plenty of Bluetooth accessories on the market. The ever popular Retro Handset has been updated to connect to your cellphone using Bluetooth technology. No more tangled cords, just pure retro-cool.
techno bytes
iPod TV New from Apple, this is an easy and fun way to play your favourite tunes, movies, TV shows, photos and podcasts, in fact any digital content you have downloaded from the internet, on your home TV set. Just connect the interface to your TV and away you go. The device has a 40GB hard drive which can store 50 hours of video, 9 000 songs, 25 000 photos, or combinations of each. It connects to most modern, widescreen TV sets and delivers high definition 720-pixel output.
Mobile jewellery You wouldn’t step out the door improperly dressed, so why do the same to your mobile? Cellphone bling makes a statement about who you are and what you think about life. From attachable, dangling pendants to arty beadwork, there is something for everyone.
High tech lighter Come on baby, light my flash drive. Electronics and fire may never have been bosom buddies, but when it comes to this USB flash drive, they have decided to call it a truce. Taking the form of the ever-popular Zippo brand of lighters, this flash drive comes with an ample 8GB capacity, and the lighter is, of course, refillable. The USB connector slides out of the bottom of the metal casing, using a small lever located on the side of the lighter. The lighter itself has a polished chrome finish and an adjustable flame. It also comes with a USB cable.
The Option June - August 2009
31
technology
All about Bluetooth Named after an ancient Viking king, Bluetooth is revolutionising the way people and machines communicate with each other
fter cellphone cameras, Bluetooth is probably the next biggest thing in the world of cellular communications. It is estimated that more than one billion people around the world regularly use Bluetooth since its inception a decade ago. But what actually is it? Put simply, Bluetooth refers to a short-range (10-metre), wireless communications technology that allows two or more devices to communicate securely and quickly with one another. So if I have a photograph, a tune, a document or other data on my cellphone, I can Bluetooth it to you, so long as we both have the relevant software on
A
32 June - August 2009 The Option
our phones. Bluetooth can also be used to access a network or the internet. This is done with a notebook computer by connecting wirelessly to a cellular phone.
A BLUE WORLD This opens up a world of possibilities, allowing a multitude of devices (including person-to-person, in-car, in-office and in-home equipment and appliances) to share data and commands with one another. When I try to send you data via Bluetooth, my phone first locates your phone and then sends a message asking whether you want to accept the incoming data. Many modern electronic appliances
are Bluetooth-aware. Bluetooth wirelessly connects office computer components such as your mouse, keyboards and cursors (used for presentations). Modern home entertainment systems, including stereos, DVD units, satellite receivers and televisions, can be wirelessly commanded using Bluetooth. Offices can use Bluetooth technology to connect equipment to complement other local wireless network access within close proximity. Printers, faxes and cordless phones can be run locally over a Bluetooth network. Filesharing between computers and mobile terminals in close proximity is another common Bluetooth
BY KIMANI KAMAKIRU; PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY IMAGES.COM
Blue-sniffing: The act of turning on your Bluetooth function on your phone to search for other devices that also have Bluetooth technology installed. It works over a 10-metre circumference. Blue-jacking: The unauthorised sending of your business card to another Bluetooth device within its range. The saved address can in future send messages over the GSM network to the recipient’s number. Blue-bugging: This is where a hijacker remotely accesses your phone and uses it as their own. You then incur all the costs for the other person’s illegal usage, including call and SMS costs. All of the above are seen as Bluetooth-specific security threats. Unauthorised Bluetooth access to your phone can allow an attacker to transmit computer viruses to your phone. These viruses can destroy your phone’s operating systems, as well as run up unwanted costs. Should this happen, you would then need to reinstall your phone’s operating system.
application. This saves on local area bandwidth utilisation, which is a shared resource within the organisation. More specialised uses for Bluetooth technology exist within the fields of medicine, engineering and manufacturing.
WHY BLUE TEETH? You are probably wondering why it is called Bluetooth. The name refers to the 10th-century Danish king Harald “Bluetooth” Blaatand who unified Denmark and Norway. In the beginning of the Bluetooth era, Bluetooth was aimed at unifying the telecom and computing industries. Today’s mobile phones are
highly sophisticated, miniaturised, multimedia, digital devices whose capabilities are strongly complemented by Bluetooth’s robustness, versatility, low power demands and low cost. So what can Bluetooth do for you? Many of us will relate to Bluetooth’s function as a support for hands-free kits. Did you know that a UK-based insurance company commissioned a study that concluded that it’s safer driving when drunk than driving while on the phone. Interesting?
SPEAK THE LINGO Bluetooth technology has created a host of user-related terms. Here are the most commonly used:
HOW DO I PROTECT AGAINST BLUE-JACKING? Make sure that you keep your Bluetooth function turned off when you are not using it. Only accept connection requests and data from trusted devices and known senders. Although it is almost impossible to intercept Bluetooth communications, or to eavesdrop on transmissions between devices, most security threats are influenced by the user more than the technology itself. Where users allow for open or unauthorised wireless access to their Bluetooth devices, attacks are inevitable. With everything going wireless, maybe one day we will be able to invent wireless power. Here’s to the future. Q The Option June - August 2009
33
stay connected
On the road Safaricom, MTN Uganda, UTL Uganda, Vodacom Tanzania and MTN Rwanda have partnered up to offer their subscribers the most affordable, seamless and reliable way to communicate in East Africa
How is this service How do I connect different from roaming? when I travel? Because of the following: • Subscribers can receive incoming calls for free. • No roaming access required. • No deposits required. • No migration to special roaming tariffs. • Available to all Safaricom subscribers (prepaid and postpaid).
Your phone will automatically pick up MTN Rwanda, MTN Uganda, UTL Uganda or Vodacom Tanzania when travelling in East Africa. Subscribers do not need to migrate to Safari Tariff to use this service. When calling home, dial the country code and the area code (dropping the ‘0’), followed by the number, eg. +254 720 123456.
On-net calls
What costs are involved? Subscribers can purchase airtime from authorised dealers within the visiting countries and pay with local currency. For example, a PrePay subscriber travelling to Tanzania can top up with Vodacom Tanzania airtime through the PrePay Roaming Top-Up (PPRTU) service.
VODACOM TZ
MTN UGANDA
UTL
MTN RWANDA
Calls to roaming network
24.00
17.50
22.00
17.50
Calls to other network in visited country
30.00
25.00
22.00
25.00
Calls to any network back home (Safaricom, Zain, Orange, Yu)
27.50
18.50
18.50
18.50
Calls to East Africa (Kenya, TZ, Uganda, Rwanda, & Burundi)
24.00
24.00
32.00
24.00
Local network & Safaricom
4.00
5.00
5.50
4.00
Other network
8.00
9.00
5.50
8.00
International
8.00
9.00
7.00
12.00
SMS
CELEB WATCH
Giving back Radio personality Caroline Mutoko chats about her passion for corporate social responsibility projects and how her efforts have changed her life as well as those of the less fortunate WHAT CSR PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
WORDS: CANDICE MIRANDA; PHOTOGRAPH: JOAN PERERUAN
I have two projects on the go at the moment. The first is called, ‘Just A Girl’. This is part of my ‘Millennium Development Goals’ for which I am a torch bearer. This time next year, I want to have upgraded three schools. I’m looking for girls’ schools that are doing well and I want to know if anything is holding them back – do they need dorms, text books, latrines, water tanks, a roof? I want to fix that. My second project is a tiny one and it is for the kids in Mathare. I have 30 kids in school – I pay their school fees. Just Ksh950 a term! The kids write to me twice a term, with their grades and marks. They start the letter, “Dear sponsor,” – they don’t even know it is me! I’m hoping to extend the number of kids I help to 100 by the end of this year.
WHEN DID YOU START GETTING INVOLVED WITH CSR PROJECTS? About five years ago, when the first famine hit Kenya. That was the first time we went out to the communities to distribute food – you see the poverty and you understand the need. You don’t know what that bag of unga means to someone. You stop being fickle – you stop thinking of that pizza you might normally treat yourself to. I don’t throw any food away now. I save everything. I even put the cork back in a wine bottle!
WHERE DO YOU FIND THE TIME FOR THESE PROJECTS? Well, how long does it take to write a cheque? When you have a profile like mine, people come to you. A lot of Kenyans would like to give, but they don’t know how. So when you have a public profile, what’s stopping you from making a difference? People write to me and ask me what I need: mabati, water tanks, do you need a lorry for transport? It’s not impossible. It’s unfair if you do not use your public profile positively.
WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF THESE PROJECTS? It centres me. I might complain about a lot of things, but when I remember those kids, it makes me see things in perspective. Since I started supporting these kids, I feel better about myself.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SAFARICOM’S WORLD OF DIFFERENCE PROJECT? A lot of us would like to do something and give our time, but then who would meet our bills? The Safaricom Foundation understands this. They say go! I hope enough people at Safaricom will take advantage of this. If I had my way, I would love to take three months off work and finish my ‘Just A Girl’ project. World of Difference – do it!
Turn to page 5 to read more about Safaricom’s World of Difference project.
WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPREAD TO OTHERS? I want people to know they can make a difference. Give yourself a chance, because you don’t know the amazing feeling you will get. You’ll realise that your problems are small compared to some people’s problems. Nobody’s asking you to change the world. Just allow yourself a chance to give back. You’ll be shocked how you can change someone’s life for the better. Kenyans are amazing people. When ladies of Koinange Street give you water, milk, sugar and bales of unga at 2am for the ‘24 hours for Kenya campaign’, when parking boys on Aga Khan Walk tell you they will not sniff glue for the day so that they can feed somebody else, you know that doing good is not impossible. Q
Great deals
Available at all Safaricom retail centres. Find an outlet close to you by consulting our convenient shop location guide on page 40
Experience the new sleek and stylish Nokia N97 with both touch and Qwerty keyboard. Add a little colour in your life with the new user friendly and dependable Nokia 1208. See below for more details on both phones.
HOT OFFERS Samsung M3510
Nokia 1661
Supports expandable memory
Colour screen
FM radio
FM radio
Stereo FM radio
Polyphonic ringtones
Edge
Voice and audio recording
Long battery life
2 megapixel camera
250 SMS storage
Motorola W160
2,499/-
14,499/-
3,699/-
LG KP105
Nokia 1208
Motorola EM30
FM radio 300 phonebook entries Long battery life
2,699/36 June - August 2009 The Option
9 9
Colour screen
2 megapixel camera
Torch
FM radio
Animated screensaver
Sleek and stylish
2,549/-
17,499/-
SUPER DEALS Motorola W230 MP3 music player
Nokia 5130 Xpress music 2 megapixel camera
Motorola W377 MP3 music player
Stereo FM radio
FM radio
MP3 player
FM radio
Edge
Easy internet browsing
Easy internet browsing
4,999/-
10,499/-
8,999/Motorola EM325
Nokia 2680
1.3 megapixel camera Slide phone
Samsung E250 S
MP3 player
FM radio & recording
VGA camera
Bluetooth
FM radio
Built-in hands-free
Easy internet browsing g
Bluetooth
Voice dial
7,499/7
9,999/-
7,999/-
Bluetooth
SLEEK OFFERS HTC Touch 3G LG Viewty KE 990 3
Auto rotate camera and sensor
3G HSDPA
5 megapixel camera Stereo bluetooth support
3G
Fully touch screen and external touch sensor button
3.2 megapixel camera
39,999/-
Xpress music
3
Auto rotate 3.2 megapixel camera
31,999/Samsung Omnia
Nokia N97 3G HSDPA
Fully touch screen
Touch screen Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
20,999/-
Nokia 5800
Wi-Fi
Motorola V8
3
Sensor auto rotate
Full QWERTY keyboard
External touch sensor music buttons
Windows Mobile 6.1
5 megapixel camera
512MB internal memory
5 megapixel camera
Wi-Fi
2 megapixel camera
Full touch screen
69,999/-
22,999/-
39,999/The Option June - August 2009
37
CAMERA PHONES LG KF-510 External touch sensor buttons Touch screen Stereo Bluetooth support Music player 3.15 megapixel camera
16,999/Motorola ZN5
Nokia 7610 Supermova Edge
Samsung G400 Music flip phone
TV OUT Memory card slot up to 2GB
Stereo Bluetooth support
FM radio
External touch screen display
3.2 megapixel camera
5 megapixel camera
19,999/-
31,999/-
Samsung i450
Nokia N96
3G HSPDA
Wi-Fi
FM radio
FM radio
Slide phone
3G HSPDA WLAN, Wi-Fi 16 GB internal memory
5.0 megapixel camera with Kodak lens
27,499/-
2 megapixel camera
23,999/-
Built-in GPS 5 megapixel camera
65,000/-
BUSINESS PHONES HTC Touch HD 3G HSPDA
Nokia E75 3G HSDPA
FM radio Windows mobile 6.1 professional
Nokia E71
Wi-fi
3G HSPDA
Full qwerty keyboard
Designed for business
Designed for business
Full qwerty keyboard
3.2 megapixel camera
3.2 megapixel camera
Wi-Fi Touch screen 5 megapixel camera
69,999/Motorola Q9H
45,999/Samsung i780
38,999/Nokia E63 Full qwerty keyboard
3G HSPDA phone
3G HSPDA phone
Free docking station
Wi-Fi
Windows mobile 6.0
Windows mobile 6.1
110 MB internal memory
2 megapixel camera
2 megapixel camera
Expandable memory up to 8GB
3G Wi-Fi
32,999/38 June - August 2009 The Option
32,999/-
23,500/-
DATA OFFERS BlackBerry 8100 Slim design Designed for email Multimedia capabilities
ACCESSORIES S9 Stereo BT headset, never miss a call while listening to music. Streams music from phone via BT, talk time up to 14 hours, music playing up to 17 hours, mini USB charger pin, control your music (FW/rewind, volume) and receive/end calls from HT820, external jack for connecting other music players like iPOD.
T9 dictionary recognition 1.3 megapixel camera
26,650/BlackBerry 8300 Full qwerty keyboard Supports expandable memory Designed for email 2 megapixel camera
48,995/Safaricom 3G Modem HOT NFEFW ER! O
Safaricom mobile internet solution for PrePay subscribers. Plug & Play USB modem can be used on any PC or laptop.
3,999/Safaricom Broadband Router Experience the wireless gateway and USB modem functions at any time and any place. Specifically designed for more than one user, the router can allow simultaneous connections to the Safaricom internet service for up to 10 computers. Available on both PostPay and PrePay plans.
7,999/T505 Iconic portable hands-free speaker designed to unlock the power of your car system by streamlining voice calls and music from your Bluetooth stereo device into your car’s FM radio channel. Clear voice, surround-sound audio experience without the hassles of su pro-installation. Easy pairing and guided FM operation. pro Up to 20 hours talk time.
6,499/P790 Portable charger, charge your phone without wires and move around, ideal for frequent travellers or area where electricity is a problem. Once P790 charged, it can charge 2 full phones or 10 Bluetooth headsets. It charges full phone in 2 hours compared with 3.3 hours with standard travel charger.
2,500/D200 Motorola Bluetooth laptop / PC adaptor
1,999/1 D650 BT iPOD connector
25,000/Get connected to a great deal Description • Dell Vostro • Intel Core Duo • HDD 120GB • 1GB RAM • OS Windows Vista Basic
3,200/H350 Low-cost mono headset, bestselling in the world. Crystal talk, rapid connect, talk time up to 7 hours. Weighs less than 17gm.
2,699/-
Laptop + Safaricom Broadband modem @
49,999/Subject to availability of stocks www.safaricom.co.ke Terms and conditions apply
EQ5 B Bluetooth-enabled pocket portability speakers. High definition stereo sound. Play time up to 8 hours. Can d do conference calls and stream music wirelessly.
6,500/The Option June - August 2009
39
Safaricom shops near you CENTRE NAME LOCATION
CONTACT DETAILS
OPENING HOURS
BURUBURU RETAIL CENTRE
Kenya National Library Building, Nairobi
Tel: 0722 002 552 Email: BuruBuruShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8:30am–6pm Saturdays: 9am–6pm Sundays: 10am–3pm Public holidays: Closed
DIGO RETAIL CENTRE
Digo Road, Opposite GPO
Tel: 0722 003 730, 0722 003 840, 0722 003 731 Email: DigoRoad@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays & Saturdays: 8am–6pm Sundays: 9am–2pm Public holidays: Closed
ELDORET RETAIL CENTRE
Metro Towers, Oginga Odinga Street, Eldoret
Tel: 0722 002 518 Email: EldoretShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm Saturdays: 9am–3pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
I & M RETAIL CENTRE
I & M Building, Ground Floor, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Tel: 0722 002 051, 0722 002 078 Email: I&Mshop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 7:30am–6pm Saturdays: 8am–4pm Sundays & public holidays: 10am–4pm
JKIA RETAIL CENTRE
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), lounges at gates 6 & 11
Tel: 0722 003 590/1 Email: JKIAshop@safaricom.co.ke
Seven days a week (including public holidays): 6am–12 midnight
JUBILEE RETAIL CENTRE (KISUMU)
Oginga Odinga Street, Kisumu
Tel: 0722 002 502 Email: JubileeShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8am–5:30pm Saturdays: 9am–1pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
KIMATHI RETAIL CENTRE
Balfour Building, Ground Floor, Kimathi Street, Nairobi
Tel: 0722 002 714, 0722 002 700 Email: KimathiShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 7:30am–5:30pm Saturdays: 9am–4pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
KISII RETAIL CENTRE
Hospital Road, Kisii (former Shabana Hardware, opposite Falcon petrol station)
Tel: 0722 002 547 Email: KisiiShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8am–5:30pm Saturdays: 9am–3pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
KISUMU MEGA PLAZA RETAIL CENTRE
Oginga Odinga Street, Kisumu
Tel: 0722 002 535, 0722 002 542 Email: MegaPlazaShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm Saturdays: 9am–3pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
KITALE RETAIL CENTRE
Kenyatta Street, Kitale (opposite Suam Supermarket)
Tel: 0722 002 184/5 Email: KitaleShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8am–5:30pm Saturdays: 9am–1pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
MERU RETAIL CENTRE
Njuri Ncheke Street, Meru
Tel: 0722 002460 Email: MeruShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm Saturdays: 8am–1pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
MIA RETAIL CENTRE
Moi International Airport, Mombasa
Tel: 0722 002 249 Email: MIAshop@safaricom.co.ke
Seven days a week (including public holidays): 6am–8:30pm
MOI AVENUE RETAIL CENTRE
Shankardass Building, Ground Floor, Moi Avenue (next to Kenya Cinema), Nairobi
Tel: 0722 002 914/9 Email: MoiAvenueShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 7:30am–5:30pm Saturdays: 9am–4pm Sundays: 10am–2pm Public holidays: Closed
NAKUMATT NYALI RETAIL CENTRE (MOMBASA)
Malindi Road, Mombasa
Tel: 0722 003 226 Email: NyaliShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays & Saturdays: 9am–7pm Sundays & public holidays: 10am–4pm
NAKURU RETAIL CENTRE
Ereto Plaza, Ground Floor, Mburu Gichua Road, Nakuru
Tel: 0722 002 562 Email: NakuruShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8:30am–5:30pm Saturdays: 9am–3pm Sundays: 10am–2pm Public holidays: Closed
NYERI MOBILE UNIT
Whispers Park, Old Municipal Council Grounds, Gakere Road (behind Samrat Supermarket)
Tel. 0723 681 274 Email: Nyeri@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8:30am–5:30pm Saturday: 9am–1pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
REX HOUSE RETAIL CENTRE (MOMBASA)
Ground Floor, Moi Avenue, Mombasa
Tel: 0722 002 028 Email: RexHouseShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8am–5:30pm Saturdays: 8:30am–2pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
SARIT RETAIL CENTRE
Ground Floor, Karuna Road, Nairobi
Tel: 0722 002 236, 0722 002 137 Email: SaritShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8am–6:30pm Saturdays: 9am–5pm Sunday & public holidays: 10am–4pm
THIKA RETAIL CENTRE
Haria House, Nkurunah Road, Thika
Tel: 0722 002 193 Email: ThikaShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8am–6pm Saturdays: 9am–2pm Sundays & public holidays: Closed
VILLAGE MARKET RETAIL CENTRE
Limuru Road, Nairobi (opposite Nairobi Sports House)
Tel: 0722 002 376, 0722 002 609 Email: VillageMarketShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 9am–7pm Saturdays: 9am–5pm Sundays & public holidays: 10am–4pm
WESTGATE RETAIL CENTRE
Nakumatt, First Floor, Mwanza Road (off Peponi Road), Nairobi
Tel: 0722 002 490, 0722 002 123/4 Email: WestgateShop@safaricom.co.ke
Weekdays, Mon–Fri: 8:30am–8pm Saturdays: 9am–5pm Sundays & public holidays: 10am–4pm
40 June - August 2009 The Option
PICTURE: ISTOCK.COM
Your most convenient Safaricom retail outlet at a glance!
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