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  • April 29 2023

Funding or not, Wimbart’s Jessica believes tech PR is here to stay

A cottage industry of public relations firms and niche media publications helped create Africa’s tech funding boom and grew alongside it. But with funding rounds drying up and more critical media hovering above, the marriage between media and tech is in heated waters. But PR expert, Jessica Hope doesn’t believe it is an existential crisis for PR firms. By 2016, African startup entrepreneurs had already embraced the media to find local support and woo global investors. The marriage worked. It was timely and was organically contracted near the cusp of more than 10 years of a central bank-boosted global economy. Four years earlier in 2011, Yaba, a busy commercial neighbourhood in Lagos, Nigeria had already cemented its status as a Mecca for young “techies”. Especially after Co-creation Hub opened its doors in 2011. Many of the young techies of that era would go on to create companies and become “tech bros” and “tech babes,” a local euphemism for well-paid tech workers. But in 2011, in Yaba, there was more dreaming than making money. In 2011, IrokoTV, an African movie streaming service (also available on satellite television channels) raised $3 million in a Series A investment led by Tiger Global. IrokoTV founder, Jason Njoku, sought out and hired Jessica Hope, who managed press relations for the Jewish Museum in London. Hope and Njoku had attended the same university and had met around the same when she wrote for lifestyle magazines in Manchester. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Manchester and a Masters in Religion and Political Life, Jessica, a self-described history nerd who had worked at the Natural History Museum in London, went to work to secure media opportunities for IrokoTV, the Nollywood entertainment startup. “Jason Njoku was a dream ‘entrepreneur’ to work with – he always left a lasting impression on every journalist he met,” Hope told TheGuardian, a Nigerian newspaper in 2017. “We do not write about Nigerian tech fraudsters.” “I was global head of communications for Iroko for three and a half years, and in that time 50% of my job was Nollywood and Afrobeats consumer PR. And then the rest of the time I worked on tech corporate communications for Jason Njoku,” Hope told TechCabal on a call. Success was quick with the local media, but a reality check was not far away. When Hope emailed two Silicon Valley journalists to secure a media opportunity for Njoku, they responded with a blunt email that read in part, “We aren’t writing about Nigerian tech fraudsters.” She said the response sealed her determination to help bring better media coverage of Africa’s fledgling technology space to fight the unhealthy stereotyping of African entrepreneurs. Soon requests came pouring in from tech CEOs, many of them were friends of Njoku, who wanted Jessica’s help with corporate PR. Technology startups in Africa were slowly gaining global recognition and the founders who emailed Njoku to ask that his chief communications officer help them secure media opportunities wanted some of the attention. Soon Njoku suggested that Jessica begin a consultancy to handle the torrent PR business. “I was like, ‘Wow am I getting fired?’,” Hope recalled. She wasn’t being fired, but Jason was convinced she would reach a glass ceiling at Iroko. “There’s an opportunity for you,” she recalls him telling her.  This is the birth story of Wimbart a boutique press relations firm with a focus on African tech companies. Wimbart now employs almost two dozen public relations specialists working from London but with African roots. Nollywood and more broadly speaking is one of Nigeria’s most significant (if underappreciated) export. And it is fitting when you think about it, that one of the key public relations firms is linked to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. In recent years, Wimbart’s clients have raised and announced (with Wimbart’s help) more than $700 million in venture funding.  The year Wimbart was founded (2014), several dozen startups in Africa raised a grand total of $26.9 million—more than double the amount raised in 2013 ($12 million) data from Disrupt Africa shows. These days, $26 million is akin to the cheque size of a respectable Series B for a fast-growing African startup. Wimbart has grown to a 21-member strong team. Image credits: Wimbart. Beyond fundraising Media firms also benefited from the funding largesse of the past five years. Stears, a business intelligence platform and media publication focused on economic stories has raised a total of $4.3 million since it was founded in 2017. BigCabal Media, the parent of this publication, has raised $2.92 million since 2016. But this closeness to tech entrepreneurs came at a cost. As venture funding receded under the souring interest rate hikes, and the media dialled up coverage of the good, bad, and ugly, the media’s relationship with the tech firms they cover is sometimes the topic of the day—at least on social media and the busy WhatsApp chats of Africa’s relatively small technology space. Tech entrepreneurs and the media sometimes duke it out—with bitter tweets or on Twitter’s live audio room, Spaces. Especially after particularly controversial stories are published. “Journalists can’t just tell happy stories all the time. If something goes wrong I guess, you know they have to report on that. That’s journalism,” Wimbart’s founder notes. “I think there it’s probably harder on the ground anyway because there’s a kind of like a journalist-tech bro relationship and then it must be hard for journalists,” she added. Notwithstanding, as media firms assert independence and startups resist growing scrutiny, tech PR firms who helped mediate the initial marriage between the two, believe their work is even more important now.  “No one wants to do crisis communications,” Hope said. All the same, more companies are asking Wimbart for help with internal communications, planning for crisis communications and even investor relations. “We’re a professional services firm, we are a supplier, so if the market changes, we have to change with the market,” Hope said. “It’s an opportunity for us to take time to

Read More
  • April 29 2023

Funding or not, Wimbart’s Jessica believes tech PR is here to stay

A cottage industry of public relations firms and niche media publications helped create Africa’s tech funding boom and grew alongside it. But with funding rounds drying up and more critical media hovering above, the marriage between media and tech is in heated waters. One media entrepreneur believes it is only creating more opportunities for public relations firms. By 2016, African startup entrepreneurs had already embraced the media to find local support and woo global investors. The marriage worked. It was timely and was organically contracted near the cusp of more than 10 years of a central bank-boosted global economy. Four years earlier in 2011, Yaba, a busy commercial neighbourhood in Lagos, Nigeria had already cemented its status as a Mecca for young “techies”. Especially after Co-creation Hub opened its doors in 2011. Many of the young techies of that era would go on to create companies and become “tech bros” and “tech babes,” a local euphemism for well-paid tech workers. But in 2011, in Yaba, there was more dreaming than making money. In 2011, IrokoTV, an African movie streaming service (also available on satellite television channels) raised $3 million in a Series A investment led by Tiger Global. IrokoTV founder, Jason Njoku, sought out and hired Jessica Hope, who managed press relations for the Jewish Museum in London. Hope and Njoku had attended the same university and had met around the same when she wrote for lifestyle magazines in Manchester. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Manchester and a Masters in Religion and Political Life, Jessica, a self-described history nerd who had worked at the Natural History Museum in London, went to work to secure media opportunities for IrokoTV, the Nollywood entertainment startup. “Jason Njoku was a dream ‘entrepreneur’ to work with – he always left a lasting impression on every journalist he met,” Hope told TheGuardian, a Nigerian newspaper in 2017. “We do not write about Nigerian tech fraudsters.” “I was global head of communications for Iroko for three and a half years, and in that time 50% of my job was Nollywood and Afrobeats consumer PR. And then the rest of the time I worked on tech corporate communications for Jason Njoku,” Hope told TechCabal on a call. Success was quick with the local media, but a reality check was not far away. When Hope emailed two Silicon Valley journalists to secure a media opportunity for Njoku, they responded with a blunt email that read in part, “We aren’t writing about Nigerian tech fraudsters.” She said the response sealed her determination to help bring better media coverage of Africa’s fledgling technology space to fight the unhealthy stereotyping of African entrepreneurs. Soon requests came pouring in from tech CEOs, many of them were friends of Njoku, who wanted Jessica’s help with corporate PR. Technology startups in Africa were slowly gaining global recognition and the founders who emailed Njoku to ask that his chief communications officer help them secure media opportunities wanted some of the attention. Soon Njoku suggested that Jessica begin a consultancy to handle the torrent PR business. “I was like, ‘Wow am I getting fired?’,” Hope recalled. She wasn’t being fired, but Jason was convinced she would reach a glass ceiling at Iroko. “There’s an opportunity for you,” she recalls him telling her.  This is the birth story of Wimbart a boutique press relations firm with a focus on African tech companies. Wimbart now employs almost two dozen public relations specialists working from London but with African roots. Nollywood and more broadly speaking is one of Nigeria’s most significant (if underappreciated) export. And it is fitting when you think about it, that one of the key public relations firms is linked to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. In recent years, Wimbart’s clients have raised and announced (with Wimbart’s help) more than $700 million in venture funding.  The year Wimbart was founded (2014), several dozen startups in Africa raised a grand total of $26.9 million—more than double the amount raised in 2013 ($12 million) data from Disrupt Africa shows. These days, $26 million is akin to the cheque size of a respectable Series B for a fast-growing African startup. Wimbart has grown to a 21-member strong team. Image credits: Wimbart. Beyond fundraising Media firms also benefited from the funding largesse of the past five years. Stears, a business intelligence platform and media publication focused on economic stories has raised a total of $4.3 million since it was founded in 2017. BigCabal Media, the parent of this publication, has raised $2.92 million since 2016. But this closeness to founders came at a cost. As venture funding receded under the souring interest rate hikes, and the media dialled up coverage of the good, bad, and ugly, the media’s relationship with the tech firms they cover is sometimes the topic of the day—at least on social media and the busy WhatsApp chats of Africa’s relatively small technology space. Tech entrepreneurs and the media sometimes duke it out—with bitter tweets or on Twitter’s live audio room, Spaces. Especially after particularly controversial stories are published. “Journalists can’t just tell happy stories all the time. If something goes wrong I guess, you know they have to report on that. That’s journalism,” Wimbart’s founder notes. “I think there it’s probably harder on the ground anyway because there’s a kind of like a journalist-tech bro relationship and then it must be hard for journalists,” she added. Notwithstanding, as media firms assert independence and startups resist growing scrutiny, tech PR firms who helped mediate the initial marriage between the two, believe their work is even more important now.  “No one wants to do crisis communications,” Hope said. All the same, more companies are asking Wimbart for help with internal communications, planning for crisis communications and even investor relations. “We’re a professional services firm, we are a supplier, so if the market changes, we have to change with the market,” Hope said. “It’s an opportunity for us to take time to listen to

Read More
  • April 29 2023

Funding or not, Wimbart’s Jessica believes tech PR is here to stay

A cottage industry of public relations firms and niche media publications helped create Africa’s tech funding boom and grew alongside it. But with funding rounds drying up and more critical media hovering above, the marriage between media and tech is in heated waters. One media entrepreneur believes it is only creating more opportunities for public relations firms. By 2016, African startup entrepreneurs had already embraced the media to find local support and woo global investors. The marriage worked. It was timely and was organically contracted near the cusp of more than 10 years of a central bank-boosted global economy. Four years earlier in 2011, Yaba, a busy commercial neighbourhood in Lagos, Nigeria had already cemented its status as a Mecca for young “techies”. Especially after Co-creation Hub opened its doors in 2011. Many of the young techies of that era would go on to create companies and become “tech bros” and “tech babes,” a local euphemism for well-paid tech workers. But in 2011, in Yaba, there was more dreaming than making money. In 2011, IrokoTV, an African movie streaming service (also available on satellite television channels) raised $3 million in a Series A investment led by Tiger Global. IrokoTV founder, Jason Njoku, sought out and hired Jessica Hope, who managed press relations for the Jewish Museum in London. Hope and Njoku had attended the same university and had met around the same when she wrote for lifestyle magazines in Manchester. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Manchester and a Masters in Religion and Political Life, Jessica, a self-described history nerd who had worked at the Natural History Museum in London, went to work to secure media opportunities for IrokoTV, the Nollywood entertainment startup. “Jason Njoku was a dream ‘entrepreneur’ to work with – he always left a lasting impression on every journalist he met,” Hope told TheGuardian, a Nigerian newspaper in 2017. “We do not write about Nigerian tech fraudsters.” “I was global head of communications for Iroko for three and a half years, and in that time 50% of my job was Nollywood and Afrobeats consumer PR. And then the rest of the time I worked on tech corporate communications for Jason Njoku,” Hope told TechCabal on a call. Success was quick with the local media, but a reality check was not far away. When Hope emailed two Silicon Valley journalists to secure a media opportunity for Njoku, they responded with a blunt email that read in part, “We aren’t writing about Nigerian tech fraudsters.” She said the response sealed her determination to help bring better media coverage of Africa’s fledgling technology space to fight the unhealthy stereotyping of African entrepreneurs. Soon requests came pouring in from tech CEOs, many of them were friends of Njoku, who wanted Jessica’s help with corporate PR. Technology startups in Africa were slowly gaining global recognition and the founders who emailed Njoku to ask that his chief communications officer help them secure media opportunities wanted some of the attention. Soon Njoku suggested that Jessica begin a consultancy to handle the torrent PR business. “I was like, ‘Wow am I getting fired?’,” Hope recalled. She wasn’t being fired, but Jason was convinced she would reach a glass ceiling at Iroko. “There’s an opportunity for you,” she recalls him telling her.  This is the birth story of Wimbart a boutique press relations firm with a focus on African tech companies. Wimbart now employs almost two dozen public relations specialists working from London but with African roots. Nollywood and more broadly speaking is one of Nigeria’s most significant (if underappreciated) export. And it is fitting when you think about it, that one of the key public relations firms is linked to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. In recent years, Wimbart’s clients have raised and announced (with Wimbart’s help) more than $700 million in venture funding.  The year Wimbart was founded (2014), several dozen startups in Africa raised a grand total of $26.9 million—more than double the amount raised in 2013 ($12 million) data from Disrupt Africa shows. These days, $26 million is akin to the cheque size of a respectable Series B for a fast-growing African startup. Wimbart has grown to a 21-member strong team. Image credits: Wimbart. Beyond fundraising Media firms also benefited from the funding largesse of the past five years. Stears, a business intelligence platform and media publication focused on economic stories has raised a total of $4.3 million since it was founded in 2017. BigCabal Media, the parent of this publication, has raised $2.92 million since 2016. But this closeness to founders came at a cost. As venture funding receded under the souring interest rate hikes, and the media dialled up coverage of the good, bad, and ugly, the media’s relationship with the tech firms they cover is sometimes the topic of the day—at least on social media and the busy WhatsApp chats of Africa’s relatively small technology space. Tech entrepreneurs and the media sometimes duke it out—with bitter tweets or on Twitter’s live audio room, Spaces. Especially after particularly controversial stories are published. “Journalists can’t just tell happy stories all the time. If something goes wrong I guess, you know they have to report on that. That’s journalism,” Wimbart’s founder notes. “I think there it’s probably harder on the ground anyway because there’s a kind of like a journalist-tech bro relationship and then it must be hard for journalists,” she added. Notwithstanding, as media firms assert independence and startups resist growing scrutiny, tech PR firms who helped mediate the initial marriage between the two, believe their work is even more important now.  “No one wants to do crisis communications,” Hope said. All the same, more companies are asking Wimbart for help with internal communications, planning for crisis communications and even investor relations. “We’re a professional services firm, we are a supplier, so if the market changes, we have to change with the market,” Hope said. “It’s an opportunity for us to take time to listen to

Read More
  • April 28 2023

How to pay NHIF Kenya via MPesa 2023

The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a Kenyan government agency tasked with providing affordable and accessible medical insurance coverage to all Kenyans. One of the most convenient ways to pay NHIF contributions is through MPesa. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa. Steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Follow these steps to pay your NHIF fees via MPesa: Step 1: Ensure You have sufficient funds in your MPesa account The first step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa involves ensuring you have sufficient funds to make the transaction in your MPesa account. You can top up your MPesa account at any MPesa agent or by using the MPesa app. Step 2: Go to the MPesa menu on your phone To access the MPesa menu, dial *840# on your phone and press the call button. This will take you to the MPesa menu. Step 3: Select the “Pay Bill” option Once you are in the MPesa menu, select the “Pay Bill” option by pressing the number corresponding to it on your keypad. Alternatively, you can select the “Lipa na MPesa” option and then choose the “Pay Bill” option. Step 4: Enter the NHIF Pay Bill Number After selecting the “Pay Bill” option, you will be prompted to enter the business number or pay bill number. The NHIF pay bill number is 200222. Enter this number and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 5: Enter your NHIF account number For the next step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa, you will be prompted to enter your NHIF account number. This is a unique number assigned to you by NHIF. If you do not know your account number, you can check it by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, then your national ID number to 21101. Step 6: Enter the Amount You Want to Pay After entering your account number, you will be prompted to enter the amount you want to pay. The minimum amount you can pay is Kshs. 150 while the maximum is Kshs. 140,000. Enter the amount and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 7: Enter your MPesa PIN Once you have entered the amount, you will be prompted to enter your MPesa PIN. Enter your PIN and press “OK” or “Send”. Your transaction will be processed, and you will receive a confirmation message from MPesa and NHIF. Step 8: Check your NHIF account The last step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa is to check your NHIF account to confirm that the payment has been received. You can do this by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, and then your national ID number to 21101. You will receive a message with your account balance and the last contribution paid. How beneficial is it to pay NHIF via MPesa? Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa has several advantages, including: Convenience Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is very convenient as it can be done from anywhere at any time. You do not need to visit an NHIF office or bank to make your payments. Speed MPesa transactions are processed instantly, which means that your NHIF contributions will be credited to your account immediately. Security MPesa transactions are secure and can only be authorized using your MPesa PIN. This ensures that your transactions are safe and cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons. Cost-effective Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is cost-effective as it does not attract any transaction charges. This means that you will only pay the amount you have contributed without any additional charges. Final thoughts on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is a fast, secure, and cost-effective way to ensure that you are covered by NHIF. With the convenience that comes with this payment option, there is no excuse for not making your NHIF contributions on time. It is also important to regularly check your NHIF account balance to ensure that your contributions have been received and credited to your account. It is important to note that NHIF contributions are mandatory for all employed Kenyans and voluntary for self-employed individuals. Failure to make your contributions may result in penalties or the suspension of your medical insurance coverage.

Read More
  • April 28 2023

How to pay NHIF Kenya via MPesa 2023

The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a Kenyan government agency tasked with providing affordable and accessible medical insurance coverage to all Kenyans. One of the most convenient ways to pay NHIF contributions is through MPesa. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa. Steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Follow these steps to pay your NHIF fees via MPesa: Step 1: Ensure You have sufficient funds in your MPesa account The first step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa involves ensuring you have sufficient funds to make the transaction in your MPesa account. You can top up your MPesa account at any MPesa agent or by using the MPesa app. Step 2: Go to the MPesa menu on your phone To access the MPesa menu, dial *840# on your phone and press the call button. This will take you to the MPesa menu. Step 3: Select the “Pay Bill” option Once you are in the MPesa menu, select the “Pay Bill” option by pressing the number corresponding to it on your keypad. Alternatively, you can select the “Lipa na MPesa” option and then choose the “Pay Bill” option. Step 4: Enter the NHIF Pay Bill Number After selecting the “Pay Bill” option, you will be prompted to enter the business number or pay bill number. The NHIF pay bill number is 200222. Enter this number and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 5: Enter your NHIF account number For the next step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa, you will be prompted to enter your NHIF account number. This is a unique number assigned to you by NHIF. If you do not know your account number, you can check it by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, then your national ID number to 21101. Step 6: Enter the Amount You Want to Pay After entering your account number, you will be prompted to enter the amount you want to pay. The minimum amount you can pay is Kshs. 150 while the maximum is Kshs. 140,000. Enter the amount and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 7: Enter your MPesa PIN Once you have entered the amount, you will be prompted to enter your MPesa PIN. Enter your PIN and press “OK” or “Send”. Your transaction will be processed, and you will receive a confirmation message from MPesa and NHIF. Step 8: Check your NHIF account The last step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa is to check your NHIF account to confirm that the payment has been received. You can do this by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, and then your national ID number to 21101. You will receive a message with your account balance and the last contribution paid. How beneficial is it to pay NHIF via MPesa? Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa has several advantages, including: Convenience Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is very convenient as it can be done from anywhere at any time. You do not need to visit an NHIF office or bank to make your payments. Speed MPesa transactions are processed instantly, which means that your NHIF contributions will be credited to your account immediately. Security MPesa transactions are secure and can only be authorized using your MPesa PIN. This ensures that your transactions are safe and cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons. Cost-effective Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is cost-effective as it does not attract any transaction charges. This means that you will only pay the amount you have contributed without any additional charges. Final thoughts on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is a fast, secure, and cost-effective way to ensure that you are covered by NHIF. With the convenience that comes with this payment option, there is no excuse for not making your NHIF contributions on time. It is also important to regularly check your NHIF account balance to ensure that your contributions have been received and credited to your account. It is important to note that NHIF contributions are mandatory for all employed Kenyans and voluntary for self-employed individuals. Failure to make your contributions may result in penalties or the suspension of your medical insurance coverage.

Read More
  • April 28 2023

How to pay NHIF Kenya via MPesa 2023

The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a Kenyan government agency tasked with providing affordable and accessible medical insurance coverage to all Kenyans. One of the most convenient ways to pay NHIF contributions is through MPesa. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa. Steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Follow these steps to pay your NHIF fees via MPesa: Step 1: Ensure You have sufficient funds in your MPesa account The first step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa involves ensuring you have sufficient funds to make the transaction in your MPesa account. You can top up your MPesa account at any MPesa agent or by using the MPesa app. Step 2: Go to the MPesa menu on your phone To access the MPesa menu, dial *840# on your phone and press the call button. This will take you to the MPesa menu. Step 3: Select the “Pay Bill” option Once you are in the MPesa menu, select the “Pay Bill” option by pressing the number corresponding to it on your keypad. Alternatively, you can select the “Lipa na MPesa” option and then choose the “Pay Bill” option. Step 4: Enter the NHIF Pay Bill Number After selecting the “Pay Bill” option, you will be prompted to enter the business number or pay bill number. The NHIF pay bill number is 200222. Enter this number and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 5: Enter your NHIF account number For the next step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa, you will be prompted to enter your NHIF account number. This is a unique number assigned to you by NHIF. If you do not know your account number, you can check it by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, then your national ID number to 21101. Step 6: Enter the Amount You Want to Pay After entering your account number, you will be prompted to enter the amount you want to pay. The minimum amount you can pay is Kshs. 150 while the maximum is Kshs. 140,000. Enter the amount and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 7: Enter your MPesa PIN Once you have entered the amount, you will be prompted to enter your MPesa PIN. Enter your PIN and press “OK” or “Send”. Your transaction will be processed, and you will receive a confirmation message from MPesa and NHIF. Step 8: Check your NHIF account The last step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa is to check your NHIF account to confirm that the payment has been received. You can do this by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, and then your national ID number to 21101. You will receive a message with your account balance and the last contribution paid. How beneficial is it to pay NHIF via MPesa? Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa has several advantages, including: Convenience Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is very convenient as it can be done from anywhere at any time. You do not need to visit an NHIF office or bank to make your payments. Speed MPesa transactions are processed instantly, which means that your NHIF contributions will be credited to your account immediately. Security MPesa transactions are secure and can only be authorized using your MPesa PIN. This ensures that your transactions are safe and cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons. Cost-effective Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is cost-effective as it does not attract any transaction charges. This means that you will only pay the amount you have contributed without any additional charges. Final thoughts on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is a fast, secure, and cost-effective way to ensure that you are covered by NHIF. With the convenience that comes with this payment option, there is no excuse for not making your NHIF contributions on time. It is also important to regularly check your NHIF account balance to ensure that your contributions have been received and credited to your account. It is important to note that NHIF contributions are mandatory for all employed Kenyans and voluntary for self-employed individuals. Failure to make your contributions may result in penalties or the suspension of your medical insurance coverage.

Read More
  • April 28 2023

How to pay NHIF Kenya via MPesa 2023

The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a Kenyan government agency tasked with providing affordable and accessible medical insurance coverage to all Kenyans. One of the most convenient ways to pay NHIF contributions is through MPesa. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa. Steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Follow these steps to pay your NHIF fees via MPesa: Step 1: Ensure You have sufficient funds in your MPesa account The first step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa involves ensuring you have sufficient funds to make the transaction in your MPesa account. You can top up your MPesa account at any MPesa agent or by using the MPesa app. Step 2: Go to the MPesa menu on your phone To access the MPesa menu, dial *840# on your phone and press the call button. This will take you to the MPesa menu. Step 3: Select the “Pay Bill” option Once you are in the MPesa menu, select the “Pay Bill” option by pressing the number corresponding to it on your keypad. Alternatively, you can select the “Lipa na MPesa” option and then choose the “Pay Bill” option. Step 4: Enter the NHIF Pay Bill Number After selecting the “Pay Bill” option, you will be prompted to enter the business number or pay bill number. The NHIF pay bill number is 200222. Enter this number and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 5: Enter your NHIF account number For the next step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa, you will be prompted to enter your NHIF account number. This is a unique number assigned to you by NHIF. If you do not know your account number, you can check it by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, then your national ID number to 21101. Step 6: Enter the Amount You Want to Pay After entering your account number, you will be prompted to enter the amount you want to pay. The minimum amount you can pay is Kshs. 150 while the maximum is Kshs. 140,000. Enter the amount and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 7: Enter your MPesa PIN Once you have entered the amount, you will be prompted to enter your MPesa PIN. Enter your PIN and press “OK” or “Send”. Your transaction will be processed, and you will receive a confirmation message from MPesa and NHIF. Step 8: Check your NHIF account The last step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa is to check your NHIF account to confirm that the payment has been received. You can do this by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, and then your national ID number to 21101. You will receive a message with your account balance and the last contribution paid. How beneficial is it to pay NHIF via MPesa? Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa has several advantages, including: Convenience Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is very convenient as it can be done from anywhere at any time. You do not need to visit an NHIF office or bank to make your payments. Speed MPesa transactions are processed instantly, which means that your NHIF contributions will be credited to your account immediately. Security MPesa transactions are secure and can only be authorized using your MPesa PIN. This ensures that your transactions are safe and cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons. Cost-effective Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is cost-effective as it does not attract any transaction charges. This means that you will only pay the amount you have contributed without any additional charges. Final thoughts on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is a fast, secure, and cost-effective way to ensure that you are covered by NHIF. With the convenience that comes with this payment option, there is no excuse for not making your NHIF contributions on time. It is also important to regularly check your NHIF account balance to ensure that your contributions have been received and credited to your account. It is important to note that NHIF contributions are mandatory for all employed Kenyans and voluntary for self-employed individuals. Failure to make your contributions may result in penalties or the suspension of your medical insurance coverage.

Read More
  • April 28 2023

How to pay NHIF Kenya via MPesa 2023

The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is a Kenyan government agency tasked with providing affordable and accessible medical insurance coverage to all Kenyans. One of the most convenient ways to pay NHIF contributions is through MPesa. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa. Steps on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Follow these steps to pay your NHIF fees via MPesa: Step 1: Ensure You have sufficient funds in your MPesa account The first step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa involves ensuring you have sufficient funds to make the transaction in your MPesa account. You can top up your MPesa account at any MPesa agent or by using the MPesa app. Step 2: Go to the MPesa menu on your phone To access the MPesa menu, dial *840# on your phone and press the call button. This will take you to the MPesa menu. Step 3: Select the “Pay Bill” option Once you are in the MPesa menu, select the “Pay Bill” option by pressing the number corresponding to it on your keypad. Alternatively, you can select the “Lipa na MPesa” option and then choose the “Pay Bill” option. Step 4: Enter the NHIF Pay Bill Number After selecting the “Pay Bill” option, you will be prompted to enter the business number or pay bill number. The NHIF pay bill number is 200222. Enter this number and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 5: Enter your NHIF account number For the next step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa, you will be prompted to enter your NHIF account number. This is a unique number assigned to you by NHIF. If you do not know your account number, you can check it by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, then your national ID number to 21101. Step 6: Enter the Amount You Want to Pay After entering your account number, you will be prompted to enter the amount you want to pay. The minimum amount you can pay is Kshs. 150 while the maximum is Kshs. 140,000. Enter the amount and press “OK” or “Send”. Step 7: Enter your MPesa PIN Once you have entered the amount, you will be prompted to enter your MPesa PIN. Enter your PIN and press “OK” or “Send”. Your transaction will be processed, and you will receive a confirmation message from MPesa and NHIF. Step 8: Check your NHIF account The last step on how to pay NHIF via MPesa is to check your NHIF account to confirm that the payment has been received. You can do this by sending an SMS with the word “ID”, a space, and then your national ID number to 21101. You will receive a message with your account balance and the last contribution paid. How beneficial is it to pay NHIF via MPesa? Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa has several advantages, including: Convenience Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is very convenient as it can be done from anywhere at any time. You do not need to visit an NHIF office or bank to make your payments. Speed MPesa transactions are processed instantly, which means that your NHIF contributions will be credited to your account immediately. Security MPesa transactions are secure and can only be authorized using your MPesa PIN. This ensures that your transactions are safe and cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons. Cost-effective Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is cost-effective as it does not attract any transaction charges. This means that you will only pay the amount you have contributed without any additional charges. Final thoughts on how to pay NHIF via MPesa Paying NHIF contributions via MPesa is a fast, secure, and cost-effective way to ensure that you are covered by NHIF. With the convenience that comes with this payment option, there is no excuse for not making your NHIF contributions on time. It is also important to regularly check your NHIF account balance to ensure that your contributions have been received and credited to your account. It is important to note that NHIF contributions are mandatory for all employed Kenyans and voluntary for self-employed individuals. Failure to make your contributions may result in penalties or the suspension of your medical insurance coverage.

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  • April 28 2023

Check your name on JAMB matriculation list 2023

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) matriculation list is a database of candidates who have been offered admission by various tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It is important for candidates to verify their names on the list for several reasons. Here, we will not only let you know how to check your name on the JAMB matriculation list. We will also highlight why it is important to verify that your name is on this Matriculation list. Before how, why should you check your name on the JAMB matriculation list?  We have three reasons why you should check your name on the matriculation list. They are as follows: First, verification of one’s name on the JAMB matriculation list is a prerequisite for NYSC mobilisation. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) requires that every prospective corps member must have their name on the JAMB matric list before they can be mobilised for the mandatory one-year national service. Secondly, verification of one’s name on the matriculation list confirms that the admission offered by an institution is valid and recognised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. Candidates who do not verify their names on the list risk having their admission revoked by JAMB. This is because JAMB is the only body authorised to offer and validate admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Thirdly, verifying one’s name on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board matriculation list protects candidates from being scammed by fraudulent institutions. In recent years, there have been cases of fraudulent institutions offering fake admissions to unsuspecting candidates. By verifying their names on the JAMB matriculation list, candidates can be sure that the admission they have been offered is genuine. How to check your name on the JAMB matriculation list To verify their name on the the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board matriculation list, candidates are required to visit the body’s e-Facility website and follow the simple steps outlined there. You will simply be required to provide your JAMB registration number and year of examination. Once these details have been provided, the candidate’s name will be displayed if it is on the list.  What do you do to get your name on the JAMB matriculation list? Those who meet the requirements below will be placed on the matriculation list: Access your Letter of Admission via the e-Facility Portal and print It out. Use the e-Facility platform to view and print your Jamb Result Slip. Then proceed to seek confirmation from your institution’s admissions officer on both documents. It is important to note that only candidates who have been offered admission by recognized institutions will have their names on the JAMB matriculation list. Candidates who have not been offered admission or who have been offered admission by unrecognized institutions will not have their names on the list. Final thoughts Verifying one’s name on the JAMB matriculation list is a crucial step in the admission process for tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It confirms the validity of one’s admission, protects candidates from fraudulent institutions, and is a prerequisite for NYSC mobilization. Candidates are advised to verify their names on the list as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues that may arise.

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  • April 28 2023

For as low as $500, you can invest in this edtech startup

AltSchool Africa, an edtech startup, has partnered with Fast Forward Venture studio, and HoaQ to allow members of its community and students to own a part of the startup with as low as $500 in investment. Adewale Yusuf, CEO of AltSchool Africa, made the announcement via a LinkedIn post on Thursday, April 27.  Via the LinkedIn post, Yusuf listed procedures for participating in the round, intending investors can participate in the fund round through any of the two websites provided in the LinkedIn post. Per one of the websites for the deal, the target for the funding round is pegged at $3 million with a minimum contribution of about $500 from each participant. The investment round runs until May 15, 2023.  A notable investor in this funding round is an unspecified “biggest bank” in Nigeria. The website also contains other deal terms, which include AltSchool’s pitch deck and a commitment form which is to be filled by intending investors.  The second website for investing is straightforward and contains a form to be filled by intending investors. After intending investors fill out the form on the website, they will receive approval via email and be notified about the deal. “We’ll email you as soon as you’re approved to view the deal!” the website read. Equipping the next generation of African tech Giants Africa has a young population with a huge digital skills gap, which is diluting economic opportunities and development. According to a study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) [pdf], some 230 million jobs across the continent will require some level of digital skills by 2030. AltSchool Africa is solving this problem by providing a platform where Africans can learn in-demand skill techs to access opportunities across the world.  AltSchool Africa strongly believes that the key to unlocking Africa’s potential is to equip its growing population with the skill and tools they need to succeed in the digital age. With over 17,000 applications processed from over 76 countries in 2022, AltSchool Africa’s CEO says they are just getting started. He believes that with the current funding round opened to communities, AltSchool Africa can make a real difference in the lives of young Africans.  “As a community-oriented company, we are opening up a part of our round to communities. We believe that with your investment, we can make a real difference in the life of young Africans and help them access the opportunities they deserve,” Yusuf concluded.

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