In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I sit down with Steve Kahugu, the Chief Technology Officer at CarDuka, to unpack how one of Kenya’s fastest-growing digital car marketplaces is solving the country’s long-standing trust deficit in car buying and selling.CarDuka has grown from an online valuation platform in 2017 to a 2.5 million–user marketplace built around verification, safety, data-driven decision making, instant financing, and AI-powered insights. Steve gives a candid, deeply technical look into how the platform works, why trust remains the industry’s biggest pain point, and how CarDuka plans to scale toward 4 million users by December.We explore CarDuka’s dealer microsites, private seller tools, the new trading feature, powerful NCBA financing integrations, and their long-term vision of becoming the most trusted marketplace for cars across Africa.If you’ve ever bought or sold a car in Kenya, this conversation offers clarity, context, and a glimpse into the industry’s future:00:00 – Introduction & Why Trust Defines Kenya’s Car Market01:33 – CarDuka Origins: From Valuation Tool to Auctions to Marketplace03:22 – The Trust Deficit: Kenya’s #1 Pain Point in Car Transactions04:23 – Why Even Car Dealers Face Trust Challenges06:19 – How CarDuka’s Verification System Works (Buyers & Sellers)08:51 – Mileage Manipulation & New Authenticity Safeguards10:25 – Deep Integration with NCBA & Instant Financing13:35 – CarDuka Growth: From 1M to 2.5M Users14:00 – AI-Powered Car Reviews & Chatbots16:55 – Scaling to 4 Million Users: What’s Driving Adoption21:13 – Private Sellers: Self-Listing vs. Sell-It-For-Me23:06 – New Trading Feature Explained24:58 – Dealer Microsites & Digital Showrooms28:11 – Why Dealers Must Learn to Self-List31:51 – Dealer Benefits: Verified Leads, NCBA Financing & More32:13 – The 2030 Roadmap & CarDuka Club35:26 – Misconceptions About Buying Cars Online37:38 – Message to Hesitant Buyers38:14 – Message to Dealers Yet to Join CarDuka39:06 – Where to Learn More & Download the App39:31 – Closing Thoughts

At the ALN ATLAS 2025 – Africa Law & Tech Symposium on the 12th November 2025, I had the privilege of moderating a panel discussion exploring one of the most important conversations of our time: How Africa can build a digital legal infrastructure that is trusted, inclusive, secure, and ready for the future.

In this session, I was joined by three leaders who sit at the heart of Africa’s evolving digital economy — Phyllis Migwi of Microsoft Kenya, David Bunei of Oracle Kenya, and Dr. Shikoh Gitau of Qhala. Together, we unpacked the essential building blocks needed to turn Africa’s digital policy aspirations into real-world systems that can support the continent’s social and economic ambitions.

The conversation began with a deep dive into the tension between innovation and compliance, with Phyllis offering a rare inside look at how Microsoft operationalizes responsible AI, navigates the Kenya Data Protection Act, and works to build trust through transparent governance practices. She emphasized that AI adoption in Africa can only flourish if organizations commit to ethical, auditable, and people-centered approaches that protect users.

David expanded the conversation by confronting the reality that Africa risks being left behind if the continent does not accelerate investment in cloud infrastructure, data centers, and harmonized regulatory frameworks. He emphasized that Africa’s digital future cannot be built on fragmented data policies or minimal investment in digital capacity. To benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Africa must modernize its legal frameworks, scale public-private cooperation, and grow a digitally literate population capable of adopting and trusting new technologies.

Shikoh grounded the entire conversation by reminding us that digital transformation is ultimately about people. Policy documents, she argued, do not create digitization — practical implementation does. Using Rwanda’s fintech passport as a case study, she demonstrated how regulatory sandboxes, human-centered design, and region-based experimentation can unlock pragmatic, cross-border digital ecosystems that work in real life, not just on paper.

As the panel progressed, we explored the promise of blockchain in legal agreements, the future of smart contracts in Africa’s informal and agricultural sectors, the risks and opportunities associated with cross-border data governance, and the urgent need for Africa to define its own AI ethics and digital identity principles rather than import frameworks that may not reflect the continent’s realities.

We ended with a clear view of what must happen next: Africa must align digital laws with continental ambitions, build capacity at scale, experiment more boldly, and adopt legal and regulatory innovation as a default mindset. The future is already unfolding — Africa’s responsibility is to shape it intentionally.

00:00 — Introduction

02:40 — AI Governance & Compliance in Africa

08:18 — Cloud Infrastructure & Data Sovereignty

13:55 — Human-Centered Digital Policy

21:00 — Responsible AI & Public Sector Readiness

23:40 — Smart Contracts & Blockchain Adoption

32:55 — Cross-Border Data Governance

38:20 — Public-Private Collaboration

49:30 — Closing Reflections

54:50 — Final Thoughts

#ATLAS2025 #LawMeetsCode #DigitalAfrica #AIinAfrica #ALNAcademy

In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I sit down with Anuj Tanna, Co-Founder and CEO of MESH, for a deep dive into the platform that is fuelling Kenya's vibrant hustle economy. Anuj shares the foundational insights from his time at Telkom Kenya that led him to see the informal economy not as a problem to be fixed, but as a powerful engine to be supported. We discuss the specific product mechanics, business model, and future vision for the platform serving over 1 million young entrepreneurs. This is a must watch or listen for anyone in technology, finance, and social impact in Kenya and Africa.In this episode, we discuss:(02:45) The key lessons from Telkom Kenya that became the seed for MESH.(10:30) Why "identity" is the biggest lever for income growth, not the biggest barrier.(15:32) How MESH's UI/UX is architected to shift a user's identity from "unemployed" to "entrepreneur."(21:12) The "Jungle Gym" model: Why peer-to-peer learning from someone "two steps ahead" beats formal courses.(26:19) The future of MESH: Using generative AI to create a personal business coach in Sheng and Swahili.(29:59) The "Wraparound Experience": A groundbreaking, three-pillar strategy to make trust "bankable" and unlock credit.(36:51) The MESH Business Model: How the platform stays free for users by partnering with corporates.(49:36) Overcoming resistance and changing the mindset from "formalizing" to "fuelling" the informal economy.Enjoyed this?👍 Like the podcast💬 Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Kenya's and Africa's digital transformation.#PureDigitalPassion #MESH #AnujTanna #MosesKemibaro #HustleEconomy #Kenya #Africa #Technology #Startups

Tired of shocking data roaming bills after your travels? The eSIM revolution is here to put an end to that. In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion podcast, I sit down with Mandeep Birdi, CEO of RoamBuddy, and Peter Lubia, CEO of Flexicom Enterprises, to unpack how eSIM technology is making global connectivity affordable and seamless for travelers from Kenya and across Africa.We dive deep into their groundbreaking partnership and the landmark deal with Kenya Airways to launch the KQ Safari Data plan. This is a conversation about the end of the physical SIM card and the future of mobile connectivity.In this episode, we cover:(01:53) What is an eSIM? Mandeep Birdi explains the fundamentals of this 100% digital SIM and how it's installed.(03:33) Apple's Big Move: How the new eSIM-only iPhones are accelerating the global shift away from physical SIM cards.(05:55) A Practical Guide: Peter Lubia walks through the simple, step-by-step process of getting an eSIM before you travel.(08:09) The Global-Local Partnership: We break down the innovative model between RoamBuddy and Flexicom that's bringing this technology to Kenya.(11:12) Benefits Beyond Travel: Exploring the enhanced security, flexibility, and environmental advantages of eSIMs.(21:57) Africa's eSIM Opportunity: Why the continent is a fertile ground for this technology, leapfrogging legacy systems.(31:20) The Inside Story: How the landmark partnership with Kenya Airways to launch KQ Safari Data came to be.(35:24) Solving Corporate Travel: A look at the enterprise solutions that eliminate the nightmare of roaming expenses for businesses.(47:24) How to Get Connected: A clear call to action for individual travelers and businesses who want to start using or partnering on eSIMs.(56:18) The Future of Connectivity: Will the physical SIM card become a museum artifact? Our guests share their predictions.Connect with our guests:RoamBuddy: https://www.roambuddy.worldFlexicom Enterprises: https://esim.flexicom.co.keKQ Safari Data: https://www.kqsafaridata.com

In this episode, I sit down with Russell Southwood, CEO of Balancing Act and author of Africa 2.0 and the Africa Interconnection Report 2025, to unpack 20+ years of telecoms, internet, data centres, AI, and policy across the continent. We go from Celtel and M-PESA to today’s cloud & AI wave—and the human and cultural factors that make (or break) adoption.

Chapters
00:00 Intro01:30 Russell’s origin story (SOAS, Kenya at 7, early digital influences)07:18 Founding Balancing Act & the weekly Africa telecoms newsletter10:33 Lessons from the books (Less Walk, More Talk; Africa 2.0)17:53 E-commerce’s long runway & the digital divide (2G ↔ smartphones)21:28 Extending rural coverage (AMN, iSat, Vanu, Neuron & more)27:22 Data centers, cloud & AI — key takeaways from the Interconnection Report33:29 OTT regulation: innovation vs. control, free speech, shutdowns37:26 Broadband today, cable resilience & the rise of home internet40:45 Startups that last: solving real problems, not just raising rounds43:51 Government, talent & delivery (why execution matters)45:23 Looking ahead: energy constraints, AI realism & practical optimism53:20 Closing

What you’ll learn

• • How people—not pipes—ultimately drive tech adoption in Africa

• • Why data centres are reshaping the ecosystem (IXPs, neutrality, sovereignty)

  • How to balance OTT regulation without stifling free speech or innovation

  • The real blockers: literacy, energy, policy capture—and what’s changing

  • How enduring African startups think about users, utility, and scale

  
  

  About Russell Southwood
  CEO, Balancing Act. Veteran analyst of African telecoms, internet & media. Author of Africa 2.0, Less Walk, More Talk, and lead author of the Africa Interconnection Report 2025.

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In this episode of the Pure Digital Passion Podcast, I got an exclusive preview of the landmark 25th Annual PAMRO Media Research Conference, which returns to Nairobi after a 16-year hiatus.

I was joined by two industry titans and key members of the conference organizing committee: Joe Otin (CEO, The Collective & Former PAMRO President) and Maggie Ireri (CEO, TIFA Research). They discussed the critical theme of "Trust and Truth" in today's media landscape, sharing their personal journeys with PAMRO and unpacking why this event is the most important gathering for media owners, marketers, agencies, and researchers in Africa this year.

Key topics include:

• The significance of PAMRO's homecoming to Nairobi.

• Why "Trust and Truth" is the industry's most urgent conversation in the age of AI.

• The direct link between media research, advertising spend, and commercial success.

• The future of media measurement and the challenge of Big Tech.

• An inside look at the high-level speakers, panels, and networking opportunities.

This is your ultimate guide to understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the African media industry today.

Just a few slots remain for the conference! Do not miss the opportunity to join this conversation and enjoy the experience.

Register for the PAMRO 2025 Conference (Sept 14th to 16th, Nairobi): https://pamro.org/pamro-25th-annual-conference/

For Further Information:Contact PAMRO 2025 on +254 722 675 908

In this episode of Pure Digital Passion, I speak with Fahrettin Oylum, the Co-Founder of Teknopalas and senior executive at Doğuş Teknoloji—two technology leaders from Turkey that are bringing their bold, future-focused vision of IoT and RFID transformation to Kenya and the wider African region.

Teknopalas has been at the cutting edge of UHF RFID and IoT since 2005. Fahrettin walks us through their innovation journey, including:

✅ Being one of the first 50 IoT companies globally, and the first in Turkey

✅ Launching patented solutions like the UHF RFID library system and real-time IoT vehicle protocols

✅ Building RFIDMarket.com, the largest IoT hardware marketplace globally

✅ Developing their unified, cloud-native IoT platform integrating RFID, Bluetooth, Lora, and more

But this is more than just a technology story. It’s about digital transformation with impact. Teknopalas and Doğuş Teknoloji, in partnership with Techmind Global, are setting their sights on Kenya as a strategic hub for deploying industry-ready IoT solutions—backed by 20+ years of engineering, R&D, and real-world execution.

We also preview what’s coming at the IoT Summit Nairobi on 19th June 2025, including:

✅ Real-world IoT use cases in healthcare, logistics, and agriculture

✅ A live virtual tour of the RFID IoT Experience Center

✅ Demonstrations of data-driven platforms powered by AI & machine learning

✅ A vision for Africa-Turkey technology collaboration focused on sustainability and ecosystem growth

If you're in business, government, or technology — and want to understand how IoT will reshape Kenya's and Africa’s industries—this is your front-row seat to the future of IoT.

In this episode, I take you through my latest experiment with NotebookLM, converting my recent blog post, An In-Depth Analysis of Safaricom Kenya’s FY25 Business Performance, into a Kiswahili audio overview.

This podcast delves into Safaricom’s financial highlights, strategic initiatives, and market performance over the past year, offering insights into the company’s growth trajectory and its impact on the broader digital economy in Kenya.

This experiment demonstrates how AI can make complex financial data more accessible to Kiswahili-speaking audiences, reflecting the potential for AI tools like NotebookLM to bridge language gaps and expand the reach of digital content.