Consumers turn the heat on pay TV company over actual cost of hardware

As Nairobi residents brace themselves for the imminent switch off of their analogue television sets, consumers have been in

a rush to acquire approved set top boxes which will enable them continue accessing the essential service beyond the December 13^th date, a gazette deadline where Communication Commission of Kenya is expected to initiate the 1^st phase of ensuring Kenyans access television on the digital platform.

Pay television companies have taken advantage of this period to have brisk business but it seems in the process, the public are left at the mercy of companies eager to make money at the expense of the service they are to supposed to provide.

A letter sent by a concerned consumer to COFEK has been intercepted by Corporate Africa which shows a consumer raising concerns on how he was made to purchase a Pay Television decoder from Gotv only to realize that he had to pay monthly fees as opposed to what he thought was a decoder to migrate him to the digital platform at no fee.

In the end, the poor Kenyan is being pushed to spend up to Ksh 7,100 on a set top box whereas essentially there are those retailing at between Ksh 4,000 to 5,000 which would have seen him save up to Ksh 2,000!

See the letter copied below…Kenyans are urged to evaluate their options while purchasing their preferred set top boxes to avoid such frustrations as below. BE INFORMED! A visit to the digital Kenya website http://www.digitalkenya.go.ke/list-of-type-approved-dvb-t2-set-top-boxes-and-authorised-vendors will give you a list of approved set top boxes and their prices.

Consumer Exploitation by Gotv

My Name is Hesbon and I live in Kahawa Sukari. Given the indication that the Government intends to switch off the analogue television sets, I took up the initiative to purchase a set top box from Gotv for Ksh 4,500 where according to the company’s attendants who served me at a tent set up within the company’s compound in Westlands, I was to access all channels including our Kenyan channels.

Towards the end of October, I noticed I could only access KBC, I switched the decoder on and off and checked my aerial but the problem persisted. I then decided to take the decoder back to the company offices.

The attendant I met told me that what I paid when I purchased the decoder was inclusive of subscription which had now expired and if I want to continue accessing channels I had to pay monthly or pay another 2,600 to access Kenyan channels!! Why am I being charged extra money to access our channels which essentially should be free???

This means I will end up paying Ksh 7,100 (4,500 + 2,600) whereas had I known this before I purchased I would have purchased from another company which I see being advertised between 4,000 and 5,000. Gotv attendants said their decoder was cheaper now its evident it is very expensive!!

COFEK, don’t you protect consumers from such evident consumer exploitation? I feel cheated and bitter, I wonder how many Kenyans have been taken through the same.

Please do something.

Hesbon Wanyoike.

KENYA A BEARDED MARKET?

Kenya – The Kenyan shaving market is still in its infancy stages with only 40 percent of Kenyan men shaving at home with the rest preferring to visit the barber shops who utilize electric shavers. 

The market which has over 10 million potential razor users sees a man spend on average KES 2295 per month and a woman spends KES 1200 on blades and razors over a similar period.

Gillette brand manager, Mr. Mutune Kilonzo said that despite the steady growth in the grooming market, the greatest challenge the Gillette brand has been facing is in trading up consumers to the more premium and better performing brands.

Today, Gillette which commands about 60 percent of the market, attributes its leadership position to its constant innovation that sees the brand implementing consumers’ positive criticism.

“The main challenges that sees us continue constantly innovation is the African hair gene. As African men, we are particularly susceptible to bumps due to the coarse, curly nature of their facial hair. Our research has however shown that one can reduce the occurrence of bumps by shaving more often, using new blades, using superior blades, and of course prepping oneself before a shave,” said Mr. Mutune.

Mr. Mutune added that once consumers understood the art of shaving, the market is bound to experience a steady growth.

The global blade and razor industry (male and female blades and razors) is currently valued as a $12.3 billion business with 800 million men shaving.

Mr. Mutune was speaking during the unveiling of the Gillette brand of male and female razors and blades into the Kenyan market.  The brand unveiled into the market its five blade Fusion to compete with Mach 3, a three-blade range in a bid to upgrade existing consumers to the premium product. The move to bring Fusion into the market was guided by consumers request for a product that offered a smoother and clear look with less skin irritation which is a great inhibitor to blades purchase.

“What we have done is to continue to introduce better quality products in the markets at different price ranges for our consumers. Our research has shown that our loyal consumers are more likely to try out a new razor which offers something more than the one he currently uses,” said Mutune.

Best known for its slogan, “The Best a Man can Get”, Gillette is seeking to maintain its market leadership by offering consumers a larger variety inorder to maximize its the category sales.

“The strategy that the brand is employing is to trade up consumers from using our disposable such as Blue 3 to using our systems such as Mach 3 to give them a better shaving experience but is also cost effective in the long run,” said Mr. Mutune.

Mr. Mutune added that P&G spends over 2 billion on research and development which is paramount to Gillette as the brand believes in once the consumer experiences the products superior quality they will be willing to pay a high price for it.

However, the brand still faces challenges in the market from consumers who are price sensitive settling for low priced locally available blades and those who still prefer the traditional methods of hair grooming.

Since its acquisition by Procter & Gamble in 2005, the 112 year old brand has seen itself rise to become its own competition in a market where the demand for hair grooming accessories is growing yet the supply of quality products is low. In addition, the conversion ratio of consumer who prefer modern methods such as non-disposal and electric shavers to traditional methods such as razors blades. However, this has not stopped Gillette which has the major share in the market from planning to expand further to capture more share and push volumes.

New telecom company to fight for a share of Ugandan market

Kampala: The telecom industry in Uganda and other countries in East Africa is bolstered by the announcement of the entry of a new mobile operator – an innovative, socially responsible and maverick telecom like no other, launching without a name.

With its underlining promise being to raise the bar for subscribers, the new telecom launched simultaneously in Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi with a creative online and SMS campaign dubbed “Give Us a Name” giving East Africa the opportunity to nominate and vote for the best name.

 

No company across the world has ever launched without a name setting the stage for what will be an exciting campaign with people allowed to propose and vote for what they think would be the best name for the company.  

The first phase of the “Give us a Name” campaign will run up to 4^th-December-2013,on-line, via SMS and on Facebook. In this phase, East Africa is being asked to propose names they would like the new telecom that is a real catalyst of change, a partner of the people and invest in communities to better their lives, to be called.

You can make your proposal by logging on to www.giveusaname.net or logging on to www.facebook.com/giveusanameafrica and participate.

In phase two of the campaign from 12^th to 22^nd December, a shortlist of names from phase one will be submitted to the population to vote for the most unique and creative name.

At the end of the campaign, a token of gratitude will be given to 45 of those who proposed the most liked names, and to those who voted for the first name.  This will range from the most recent mobile devices to unlimited products and services for a whole year.

This new mobile network operator will be investing as a priority to improve lives in the community and countries in which it operates, and ensuring that people are empowered to be the driver of their destiny.

It is a true African and believes in actively participating to build an Africa where people are more positive and optimistic about theirs and their country’s tomorrow, an Africa where people wake up every day feeling in control of their destiny.  That`s why it invests as much of its profits as possible, to support a winning, and winner`s attitude, in every person who leaves in the communities and countries where it operates.  And Uganda will not be different.

``You are passionate about a strong Africa and prosperous Africans, you are optimistic about Africa, you share in this new wave of Africa as the new place to be, you dream being the driver of your life, and you are confident that all these are possible, then you are one of us!  Because, Yes you can, Yes we will, and Yes you can make the difference!  We will be there to support your creativity and ensure you also have fun while making those big hairy dreams of yours come true!``

So come join us…and we want you to tell us how we should be called to really reflect this positive and empowering attitude.  It`s about you and it is you first, so:

Give us a name!  -   Name Us!    -    How would you call us?

Go to www.GiveUsAName.net and participate to be part of this innovative and exciting adventure!

Shell launches breakthrough fuels to help Ugandan drivers make their fuel last longer

Kampala: VIVO Energy, leading global supplier of Shell products, has launched an all-new, energy efficient fuel in Uganda. Vivo Energy distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Africa. A joint venture between Vitol, Helios Investment Partners and Shell -  VIVO energy offers customers the very best of Shell’s high quality products and services including supply reliability, technical expertise, and unmatched customer service throughout Uganda.

 

The introduction of Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel was announced at a press conference held at the Serena Hotel where VIVO Energy Managing Director, Ivan Kyayonka and Edward Walugembe, Retail and Lubricants Manager unveiled the products. Also present at the launch were Shell engineers who delivered a technical presentation on the product's benefits.

With the Ugandan market vulnerable to fluctuations in energy prices consumers will be pleased to know that Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel will be made available at no extra cost.

Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel, are two breakthrough Regular priced fuels which are designed to last longer. They represent Shell’s most advanced fuel economy fuels ever but cost no more than the [INSERT LOCAL GRADE] that customers buy from Shell forecourts. At a cost of [PRICE shillings per liter new will be available nationwide at all Shell Petrol stations.

Speaking at the launch, Ivan Kyayonka, VIVO Energy Managing Director said: “Drivers now have a more fuel efficient option available to them at the pump; something we know they have been asking for. Both Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel are Regular priced fuels designed to last longer, therefore helping you to reduce your fuel consumption and costs. All you have to do to start making your fuel last longer is look for the signs and fill up. And it won’t cost you anything extra.”

The innovation behind the new fuels lies in their instantaneous fuel economy formula, which helps improve fuel efficiency from the very first tank.

Shell FuelSave Unleaded is designed to reduce energy losses by lubricating where engine oils are less effective, such as the upper piston ring. It is also designed to keep inlet valves clean, prevent deposit formation and improve engine efficiency.

Shell FuelSave Diesel is designed to ignite and burn more effectively, helping to produce more efficient combustion in your engine. It is also designed to help protect against the build-up of deposits.

“At shell we are passionate about helping the worlds motorists get more out of their fuel and innovative and cleaner fuels are an obvious way for us as a company to make a difference. The great thing about fuel efficiency is that it delivers on so many fronts. It means better value for money, improved driver safety and it delivers for the economy and the environment." added Retail and Lubricants Manager, Edward Walugembe

To show drivers the benefits of Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel, Paul Kaganzi where he explained how using the new fuels and making a few simple changes to driving habits can help drivers reduce their fuel consumption and costs.

UNILEVER UNVEILS GEISHA NEW LOOK AND VARIANTS

Kampala– Unilever Uganda Limited today has officially re-launched Geisha on a natural’s platform. Unveiling the product was Former UIA Chairperson Dr. Maggie Kigozi, Unilever Country Manager, George Inholo and Unilever Marketing Director East Africa Mr. James Kakachira.

The new geisha variants – Soothing Aloe Vera, Softening Rose, Invigorating Lemon and Moisturizing Coconut Oil – were launched at a colorful ceremony at the Sheraton Gardens in Kampala on Friday evening.

The re-launch was attended by traders, Unilever product suppliers and representatives of various media houses. The re-launch of the four variants has now positioned Geisha as a brand that cares of the family naturally. Geisha comes in four different variants with two pack sizes (250 gram and 125 gram) and a very attractive packaging.

In her remarks, Dr. Maggie Kigozi said “I commend Unilever for its efforts to raise awareness about health and engaging the business community to take an interest in their products. We must engage not only the consumers but the business community as well in the process and give them the knowledge to make a change from a financial perspective but also a change in their homes by providing natural products for their families.”

“Geisha has been in the Ugandan since 1994 with with their tag line, lasts and lasts like a mothers love”, a tag line that still resonates with the target audience” said Unilever Uganda Customer Marketing Manager Diana Nabukenya. She also added that “Geisha commands over 50% market share in Uganda.”

Natural ingredients have been tried and tested over time. Consumers can attest to the efficacy of natural ingredients in products in one way or the other. The properties of the natural ingredients can be summed up in one sentence ‘nature knows best’.