The rollout of My OneApp has faced significant challenges, including login failures and performance problems. Safaricom has been consolidating its ecosystem through this app, merging financial and telecom services into a single platform. Yet, these integration efforts have not gone smoothly.

Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasized the importance of overcoming these obstacles. “Africa’s digital journey is at a point where it is no longer about what is possible, but what can work at scale,” he said. This statement underscores the pressing need for effective solutions as companies strive to enhance their digital transformation.

In addition to addressing user concerns, Safaricom has committed 22 million Kes to sponsor the 2026 Connected Africa Summit. This summit aims to shape Africa’s digital transformation journey and will feature discussions on mobile money and super apps.

M-PESA remains a critical component of daily life for many individuals and businesses in Kenya. Its integration into My OneApp is intended to streamline financial transactions and improve user experience. However, the current issues have raised questions about the effectiveness of this approach.

Orange S.A. is also making strides in the region, scaling its Max It app across 16 markets with a target of reaching 75 million users by 2028. This competitive landscape highlights the urgency for Safaricom to resolve its My OneApp issues quickly.

Officials have not clarified the criteria for receiving the 1GB free data from Safaricom. As customers await further information, they hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing problems that have marred their experience with My OneApp.

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On April 24, 2026, KRA began sending messages to flagged traders urging them to regularize their tax statuses. Traders with an annual turnover exceeding Sh5 million must issue eTIMS invoices. Over 500,000 businesses were onboarded to eTIMS by December 2025. KRA aims to onboard 1.2 million businesses by the end of 2026.

KRA estimates it loses approximately KES 300 billion annually due to informal sector non-compliance. “It is very easy to see the transactions. If you are a trader, there is what you purchase and there is what you sell,” said Lilian Nyawanda of the KRA.

Many businesses in Eastleigh face challenges obtaining eTIMS invoices, according to George Obell from the Eastleigh Business District Association. He noted that many traders source goods from the area but struggle with compliance issues.

KRA has issued a final notice for businesses to settle outstanding dues by April 30, 2026. Failure to comply may result in penalties up to KES 20,000 for non-compliance.

The digitalization of the Kenyan economy means that every digital footprint is now visible to the taxman. “A transaction is not completed by one party. It has two parties,” Nyawanda added, emphasizing the importance of transparency in financial dealings.

As KRA continues its enforcement efforts, the impact on MSMEs remains significant. Yet, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on how swiftly traders adapt to new compliance requirements.

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On March 25, 2026, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced a significant escalation in its efforts to scrutinize nil returns filed by taxpayers. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance tax compliance and seal revenue leakages within the country. The KRA’s focus is particularly directed towards mobile money transactions, which have become increasingly prevalent in Kenya’s financial landscape.

In recent years, the KRA had initially closed the nil payment option to validate and realign its systems. As part of the new measures, KRA officials, including Maurice Oray, have emphasized that while taxpayers are not prohibited from filing nil returns, the authority will actively flag any transactions made, especially those conducted via mobile money platforms. Oray stated, “As you file nil returns, KRA has information and details about your financial activities,” highlighting the agency’s capability to track financial behaviors.

In conjunction with these measures, the KRA plans to introduce pre-filled tax returns that will automatically capture known income streams, thereby simplifying the filing process for compliant taxpayers. This initiative aims to ensure that all income streams are tracked more comprehensively, aligning with the KRA’s wider reforms aimed at improving tax collection efficiency.

The government, under the leadership of Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, has ruled out the introduction of new taxes in the upcoming Finance Bill for the 2026/2027 financial year. Instead, Mbadi has indicated that the focus will be on enhancing the efficiency of tax collection. He remarked, “We will not be increasing revenue in the coming Finance Bill,” suggesting a shift towards better management of existing tax structures rather than imposing additional burdens on taxpayers.

As part of its strategy, the KRA is placing increased pressure on itself to enhance compliance rates and address areas where revenue has been under-collected. Rental income has been identified as a significant area of concern, where the KRA has historically struggled to capture adequate tax revenue. This renewed focus on rental income, along with the reliance on financial data, including mobile money records, is expected to improve the agency’s oversight capabilities.

The KRA’s intensified scrutiny of nil returns and mobile money transactions is a response to the growing need for transparency and accountability in tax reporting. The agency’s reliance on financial data marks a shift in its approach to tax compliance, moving towards a more data-driven methodology to verify taxpayer income.

As the KRA implements these changes, taxpayers are advised to be aware of the implications of their financial activities, particularly those involving mobile money. The agency’s commitment to tracking income streams more effectively underscores the importance of accurate reporting and compliance with tax obligations.

Overall, the KRA’s crackdown on nil returns represents a significant development in Kenya’s tax landscape, with potential implications for taxpayers across various sectors. The ongoing reforms and increased scrutiny are expected to shape the future of tax compliance in the country, as the KRA seeks to enhance its revenue collection efforts and ensure that all taxpayers contribute their fair share.

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Equity Bank Rwanda has found itself in the midst of a significant fraud investigation, which has raised concerns about the integrity of its operations. Previously, the bank had maintained a strong reputation, assuring customers that their deposits and accounts were safe. However, the recent developments have shifted this perception dramatically.

On March 15, 2026, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau announced that 35 suspects are currently in custody, including six individuals detained in Uganda. The investigation has revealed that approximately $3.4 million (Rwf 4.7 billion) is affected by the fraud, with around $2.5 million still outstanding. This alarming figure has prompted a thorough examination of the bank’s internal systems.

Equity Bank Rwanda’s internal surveillance systems played a crucial role in detecting irregular transaction patterns, which led to the investigation. Reports indicate that the fraud exploited Rwanda’s mobile money float system, raising questions about the security of digital banking practices in the region.

As the investigation unfolds, $870,000 has been recovered, representing 26% of the total alleged fraud. However, 74% of the funds remain unaccounted for, intensifying the urgency of the inquiry. Investigators are meticulously reviewing server logs and user activity trails to establish how access to the bank’s systems was compromised.

Among those detained are two IT staff members from Equity Bank who were involved in data center operations, suggesting potential internal complicity. A bank official noted, “What we saw were SIM cards buying float of up to $72,000. Some of those SIM cards had never previously received even $1,” highlighting the suspicious nature of the transactions.

Equity Bank Rwanda’s management has sought to reassure customers, stating, “We wish to reassure our customers and stakeholders that customer deposits and accounts remain safe and secure, and the bank’s operations continue as normal. No customer funds have been lost.” This statement aims to mitigate the growing anxiety among clients regarding the safety of their investments.

The investigation has also expanded into Uganda as part of a cross-border crackdown, indicating the scale of the operation and the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies. The parent company, Equity Group, has faced previous fraud issues, including a campaign in 2025 that led to the dismissal of over 1,200 employees in Kenya.

As the situation develops, the exact timeline for the conclusion of the forensic investigation remains unconfirmed. The ongoing scrutiny of Equity Bank Rwanda underscores the critical importance of robust security measures in the banking sector, especially in the context of increasing reliance on digital financial services.

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