On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 3:38 PM, Mark Mwangi <mwangy@gmail.com> wrote:

Lol. . .@kioko spot on. . . . their marketing team I suspect is given 10k a week. . . . .

Problem is how much they are paid but how much they are given to play with. I hear at safcon its Unlimited!!!!!

Our folks in foreign lands would have no reason to send you money just in time.

Except when there is a recession and "folks in foreign lands" are barely staying afloat. Don't believe the realities created by pictures people send back home. ;) saidi On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 9:05 AM, Emmanuel Ochieng < emmanuelochieng797@gmail.com> wrote:

On a personal level, I think this product is going to raise their income level on a long-term basis. Our folks in foreign lands would have no reason to send you money just in time. The higher the frequency of transactions over Zap platform the more revenue generated. My bet is that it will be well received.

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 3:28 PM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Hi Guys

Am just from a product launch.

ZAP has been modified to enable people from overseas to send money direct from their bank account,to the mobile phone of a local receipient.

They say this will revolutionize money transfer as we know it in East Africa.

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

From what I gathered from the launch they have partnered with two international banks Standard Chartered and Citibank.

So your ZAP account actually acts as a bank account. So its like transfereing money from one account holder to another. So this is how it goes a guy in newyork wants to send money to a folk in kenya.This are the details he will fill in TRANSCATION:SEND MONEY TO THE ACCOUNT A/c Branch:Standard Chartered Bank-NEWYORK A/c Number:01005-035500-00 (or whatever) A/c Name:Kamau/otieno/muli or (whoever) Swiftcode:SCBLKENXXXXX (or whatever) Details:Zain Kenya cell number e.g (0733123456) or whatever. As soon as funds will be cleared on account you receive a transcation confirmation. e.g Ref.ID :80831113461 Your received 1,000 KSHS from JOHN SMITH.YOUR AVAILABLE BALANCE IS 5000 KSHS ( assuming you had 4000 in your phone before) On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 4:26 PM, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

Any word on launch dates? On how it actually works (from the consumer side and from Zap's side)? Or is this vaporware?

saidi

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 8:28 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Hi Guys

Am just from a product launch.

ZAP has been modified to enable people from overseas to send money direct from their bank account,to the mobile phone of a local receipient.

They say this will revolutionize money transfer as we know it in East Africa.

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

Well at this rate we will be sending money to the people abroad....Will zap still make good cash? If they overcome the glitches associated with such products and MARKET WELL before safaricom launch a similar product, then maybe , just maybe they will begin to make some forward marching... On 9/23/09, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

Hmmm... interesting details. Thanks. How is this different from a regular SWIFT money transfer? From what I understand, one doesn't need a bank account to receive the money, though it needs to be picked up at a bank (corrections anyone?).

I suppose the biggest beneficiary will be the recipient (no need to go to a bank to pick up the cash)? From a sender's standpoint, it appears nothing will be different (except possibly higher fees to cover the Zap portion of the transfer process?).

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 9:38 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

...

From what I gathered from the launch they have partnered with two international banks Standard Chartered and Citibank.

So your ZAP account actually acts as a bank account.

So its like transfereing money from one account holder to another.

So this is how it goes a guy in newyork wants to send money to a folk in kenya.This are the details he will fill in

TRANSCATION:SEND MONEY TO THE ACCOUNT

A/c Branch:Standard Chartered Bank-NEWYORK A/c Number:01005-035500-00 (or whatever) A/c Name:Kamau/otieno/muli or (whoever) Swiftcode:SCBLKENXXXXX (or whatever) Details:Zain Kenya cell number e.g (0733123456) or whatever.

As soon as funds will be cleared on account you receive a transcation confirmation.

e.g Ref.ID :80831113461

Your received 1,000 KSHS from JOHN SMITH.YOUR AVAILABLE BALANCE IS 5000 KSHS ( assuming you had 4000 in your phone before)

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 4:26 PM, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Any word on launch dates? On how it actually works (from the consumer side and from Zap's side)? Or is this vaporware?

saidi

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 8:28 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Hi Guys

Am just from a product launch.

ZAP has been modified to enable people from overseas to send money direct from their bank account,to the mobile phone of a local receipient.

They say this will revolutionize money transfer as we know it in East Africa.

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

-- Sent from my Voice Recognition Watch© -------------------------------------------------------------------- God is not an excuse for lack of discipline -------------------------------------------------------------------- Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful beyond measure.It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.As we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear,our presence automatically liberates others.

I have always had the opinion that ZAIN has good products in terms of quality.But it is very interesting to note that they are always playing catch up with Safaricom.What exactly is wrong with Zain's marketing or marketing team.I dont think its the budget. A marketing campaign is usually aimed at increasing three things a) Market Share ( this can be by users or revenue) b) Top of Mind Recall (this is where,if someone is asked to name at least 5 top telcos they know,your brand appears at least in the top 3). c) Mind share (where people know your products and know what they do). Now lets take the first one market share..because that is the easiest criteria people use.They will say safaricom has 80% market share will the rest have 20%. How does then Zain increase its market share or any other business for that matter. Market Share : can be calculated Share of Voice * Share of Preference * Share of Distribution Share of Voice = can be increased by advertisement spent and PR campaigns ( but zain with their backers can take safaricom toe to toe so I dont think the problem is advert spent,may be the quality and the message of the adverts might be the problem) Share of Preference= is to do with the intrinsic features of the service i.e quality,value and price.Well Zain products generally have good quality and well priced. Share of Distribution= deals with how well your product has been distributed,do a small survey send 5 people to get you scratch cards one for zain,one for safcom,one for Yu,one for orange and one for the CDMA wireless.Whereever you are the guy who was sent the Safaricom card will come back First.While the CDMA guy will come back last. So the problem with Zain is their distribution network is so poor. On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 5:13 PM, Joram Mwinamo <joram.mwinamo@gmail.com>wrote:

Well at this rate we will be sending money to the people abroad....Will zap still make good cash?

If they overcome the glitches associated with such products and MARKET WELL before safaricom launch a similar product, then maybe , just maybe they will begin to make some forward marching...

On 9/23/09, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Hmmm... interesting details. Thanks. How is this different from a regular SWIFT money transfer? From what I understand, one doesn't need a bank account to receive the money, though it needs to be picked up at a bank (corrections anyone?).

I suppose the biggest beneficiary will be the recipient (no need to go to a bank to pick up the cash)? From a sender's standpoint, it appears nothing will be different (except possibly higher fees to cover the Zap portion of the transfer process?).

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 9:38 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

...

From what I gathered from the launch they have partnered with two international banks Standard Chartered and Citibank.

So your ZAP account actually acts as a bank account.

So its like transfereing money from one account holder to another.

So this is how it goes a guy in newyork wants to send money to a folk in kenya.This are the details he will fill in

TRANSCATION:SEND MONEY TO THE ACCOUNT

A/c Branch:Standard Chartered Bank-NEWYORK A/c Number:01005-035500-00 (or whatever) A/c Name:Kamau/otieno/muli or (whoever) Swiftcode:SCBLKENXXXXX (or whatever) Details:Zain Kenya cell number e.g (0733123456) or whatever.

As soon as funds will be cleared on account you receive a transcation confirmation.

e.g Ref.ID :80831113461

Your received 1,000 KSHS from JOHN SMITH.YOUR AVAILABLE BALANCE IS 5000 KSHS ( assuming you had 4000 in your phone before)

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 4:26 PM, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Any word on launch dates? On how it actually works (from the consumer side and from Zap's side)? Or is this vaporware?

saidi

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 8:28 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Hi Guys

Am just from a product launch.

ZAP has been modified to enable people from overseas to send money direct from their bank account,to the mobile phone of a local receipient.

They say this will revolutionize money transfer as we know it in East Africa.

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

-- Sent from my Voice Recognition Watch© -------------------------------------------------------------------- God is not an excuse for lack of discipline -------------------------------------------------------------------- Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful beyond measure.It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.As we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear,our presence automatically liberates others. _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

Another thing that holds Zain below the waters is the change of name. How many times have we heard Safaricom is changing it's name? Imagine going home one evening and you find your wife has changed her name from Alice to Jane, without your knowledge. As you try to adapt to the name change, she decides Jane is not 'cool' and goes for Charity. While this is going on, there are suitors already wanting to give her a hand in marriage, yet your marriage is not yet annulled! Marketing cannot be a problem, they've got more liquid assets than Safaricom! Methinks it's a problem of not willing to dish out money for the expansion of the great services and products they have. While we might blame their dismal performance in the Kenyan market to unfair competition (Safaricom is likely to be favoured by the Government because they own shares there), but then market cannot survive on the grip of fearing the competitors because the government favours it. I think Microsoft is not owned by the US government, but it is doing great despite the stiff competition and preference from FOSS! Maybe, the African market is not the best as yet. My thoughts! On 23/09/2009, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

I don't think Kenya has ever been a priority for Zain given that, among other considerations, Safaricom was (still is?) effectively a government-backed monopoly. Zain probably calculated that they could get more bang for their marketing buck by concentrating on other markets. So it makes sense for Zain to continue under-resourcing their Kenya operations until the cost-benefit calculations change in favor of more investments here. I'm not certain that the Kenya government really wants to level the playing field in the mobile communications area, there are too many vested interests (financial and nationalistic) that swing in favor of Safaricom. Witness the fervent, almost religious, defenses of Safaricom (and MPESA, Michael Joseph etc) as local, homegrown, bona-fide Kenyan outfits. Quite amusing to watch.

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 10:34 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

...

I have always had the opinion that ZAIN has good products in terms of quality.But it is very interesting to note that they are always playing catch up with Safaricom.What exactly is wrong with Zain's marketing or marketing team.I dont think its the budget.

A marketing campaign is usually aimed at increasing three things

a) Market Share ( this can be by users or revenue) b) Top of Mind Recall (this is where,if someone is asked to name at least 5 top telcos they know,your brand appears at least in the top 3). c) Mind share (where people know your products and know what they do).

Now lets take the first one market share..because that is the easiest criteria people use.They will say safaricom has 80% market share will the rest have 20%.

How does then Zain increase its market share or any other business for that matter.

Market Share : can be calculated

Share of Voice * Share of Preference * Share of Distribution

Share of Voice = can be increased by advertisement spent and PR campaigns ( but zain with their backers can take safaricom toe to toe so I dont think the problem is advert spent,may be the quality and the message of the adverts might be the problem)

Share of Preference= is to do with the intrinsic features of the service i.e quality,value and price.Well Zain products generally have good quality and well priced.

Share of Distribution= deals with how well your product has been distributed,do a small survey send 5 people to get you scratch cards one for zain,one for safcom,one for Yu,one for orange and one for the CDMA wireless.Whereever you are the guy who was sent the Safaricom card will come back First.While the CDMA guy will come back last.

So the problem with Zain is their distribution network is so poor.

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 5:13 PM, Joram Mwinamo <joram.mwinamo@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Well at this rate we will be sending money to the people abroad....Will zap still make good cash?

If they overcome the glitches associated with such products and MARKET WELL before safaricom launch a similar product, then maybe , just maybe they will begin to make some forward marching...

On 9/23/09, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Hmmm... interesting details. Thanks. How is this different from a regular SWIFT money transfer? From what I understand, one doesn't need a bank account to receive the money, though it needs to be picked up at a bank (corrections anyone?).

I suppose the biggest beneficiary will be the recipient (no need to go to a bank to pick up the cash)? From a sender's standpoint, it appears nothing will be different (except possibly higher fees to cover the Zap portion of the transfer process?).

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 9:38 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

...

From what I gathered from the launch they have partnered with two international banks Standard Chartered and Citibank.

So your ZAP account actually acts as a bank account.

So its like transfereing money from one account holder to another.

So this is how it goes a guy in newyork wants to send money to a folk in kenya.This are the details he will fill in

TRANSCATION:SEND MONEY TO THE ACCOUNT

A/c Branch:Standard Chartered Bank-NEWYORK A/c Number:01005-035500-00 (or whatever) A/c Name:Kamau/otieno/muli or (whoever) Swiftcode:SCBLKENXXXXX (or whatever) Details:Zain Kenya cell number e.g (0733123456) or whatever.

As soon as funds will be cleared on account you receive a transcation confirmation.

e.g Ref.ID :80831113461

Your received 1,000 KSHS from JOHN SMITH.YOUR AVAILABLE BALANCE IS 5000 KSHS ( assuming you had 4000 in your phone before)

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 4:26 PM, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Any word on launch dates? On how it actually works (from the consumer side and from Zap's side)? Or is this vaporware?

saidi

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 8:28 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

> Hi Guys > > Am just from a product launch. > > ZAP has been modified to enable people from overseas to send money > direct > from their bank account,to the mobile phone of a local receipient. > > They say this will revolutionize money transfer as we know it in > East > Africa. > > _______________________________________________ > Skunkworks mailing list > Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Other services @ http://my.co.ke > Other lists > ------------- > Announce: > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce > Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science > kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general >

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

-- Sent from my Voice Recognition Watch© -------------------------------------------------------------------- God is not an excuse for lack of discipline -------------------------------------------------------------------- Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful beyond measure.It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.As we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear,our presence automatically liberates others. _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

-- Solomon Mburu P.O. Box 19343 - 00202 Nairobi Cell: (+254-0) 735 431041 Man is a gregarious animal and enjoys agreement as cows will graze all the same way to the side of a hill! AND It is better to die in dignity than in the ignomity of ambiguous generosity! blog: http://desires-and-dreams.blogspot.com

Either Zain lacks smart business development staff, a highly unlikely option, or they have strategically decided to keep their Kenya operations on "life support" (a more likely option IMHO). We can b*tch and moan all day long about Zain's lack of this and that but until the equation shifts in favor of resuscitation, not a single bit will change. The question then becomes: what will it take to change the equation in favor of a more competitive landscape? On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 4:10 PM, Dennis Kioko <dmbuvi@gmail.com> wrote:

Solomon, name changes occur on facebook to a point you might think you are using a different account other than your own. Zain have hidden products that you need to call customer care to know about after getting a hint elsewhere. Their website is not utilised too. They launch a product, advertise for a day and wait for magic. How many people are aware of their recently launched bundles and modem offers? then they are motorhours for hidden charges, shifting charges and classified instructions for unsubscribing their services. In short, their customers are scared of anything "new" they launch. this guys can write a successful " how not to do business"

On 23/09/2009, Solomon Mburu <solo.mburu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Another thing that holds Zain below the waters is the change of name. How many times have we heard Safaricom is changing it's name? Imagine going home one evening and you find your wife has changed her name from Alice to Jane, without your knowledge. As you try to adapt to the name change, she decides Jane is not 'cool' and goes for Charity. While this is going on, there are suitors already wanting to give her a hand in marriage, yet your marriage is not yet annulled!

Marketing cannot be a problem, they've got more liquid assets than Safaricom! Methinks it's a problem of not willing to dish out money for the expansion of the great services and products they have.

While we might blame their dismal performance in the Kenyan market to unfair competition (Safaricom is likely to be favoured by the Government because they own shares there), but then market cannot survive on the grip of fearing the competitors because the government favours it. I think Microsoft is not owned by the US government, but it is doing great despite the stiff competition and preference from FOSS!

Maybe, the African market is not the best as yet.

My thoughts!

On 23/09/2009, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

I don't think Kenya has ever been a priority for Zain given that, among other considerations, Safaricom was (still is?) effectively a government-backed monopoly. Zain probably calculated that they could get more bang for their marketing buck by concentrating on other markets. So it makes sense for Zain to continue under-resourcing their Kenya operations until the cost-benefit calculations change in favor of more investments here. I'm not certain that the Kenya government really wants to level the playing field in the mobile communications area, there are too many vested interests (financial and nationalistic) that swing in favor of Safaricom. Witness the fervent, almost religious, defenses of Safaricom (and MPESA, Michael Joseph etc) as local, homegrown, bona-fide Kenyan outfits. Quite amusing to watch.

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 10:34 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

...

I have always had the opinion that ZAIN has good products in terms of quality.But it is very interesting to note that they are always playing catch up with Safaricom.What exactly is wrong with Zain's marketing or marketing team.I dont think its the budget.

A marketing campaign is usually aimed at increasing three things

a) Market Share ( this can be by users or revenue) b) Top of Mind Recall (this is where,if someone is asked to name at least 5 top telcos they know,your brand appears at least in the top 3). c) Mind share (where people know your products and know what they do).

Now lets take the first one market share..because that is the easiest criteria people use.They will say safaricom has 80% market share will the rest have 20%.

How does then Zain increase its market share or any other business for that matter.

Market Share : can be calculated

Share of Voice * Share of Preference * Share of Distribution

Share of Voice = can be increased by advertisement spent and PR campaigns ( but zain with their backers can take safaricom toe to toe so I dont think the problem is advert spent,may be the quality and the message of the adverts might be the problem)

Share of Preference= is to do with the intrinsic features of the service i.e quality,value and price.Well Zain products generally have good quality and well priced.

Share of Distribution= deals with how well your product has been distributed,do a small survey send 5 people to get you scratch cards one for zain,one for safcom,one for Yu,one for orange and one for the CDMA wireless.Whereever you are the guy who was sent the Safaricom card will come back First.While the CDMA guy will come back last.

So the problem with Zain is their distribution network is so poor.

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 5:13 PM, Joram Mwinamo <joram.mwinamo@gmail.com>wrote:

...

Well at this rate we will be sending money to the people abroad....Will zap still make good cash?

If they overcome the glitches associated with such products and MARKET WELL before safaricom launch a similar product, then maybe , just maybe they will begin to make some forward marching...

On 9/23/09, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote:

...

Hmmm... interesting details. Thanks. How is this different from a regular SWIFT money transfer? From what I understand, one doesn't need a bank account to receive the money, though it needs to be picked up at a bank (corrections anyone?).

I suppose the biggest beneficiary will be the recipient (no need to go to a bank to pick up the cash)? From a sender's standpoint, it appears nothing will be different (except possibly higher fees to cover the Zap portion of the transfer process?).

On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 9:38 AM, Joseph McDonald <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote:

> From what I gathered from the launch they have partnered with two > international banks Standard Chartered and Citibank. > > So your ZAP account actually acts as a bank account. > > So its like transfereing money from one account holder to another. > > So this is how it goes a guy in newyork wants to send money to a folk in > kenya.This are the details he will fill in > > TRANSCATION:SEND MONEY TO THE ACCOUNT > > A/c Branch:Standard Chartered Bank-NEWYORK > A/c Number:01005-035500-00 (or whatever) > A/c Name:Kamau/otieno/muli or (whoever) > Swiftcode:SCBLKENXXXXX (or whatever) > Details:Zain Kenya cell number e.g (0733123456) or whatever. > > As soon as funds will be cleared on account you receive a transcation > confirmation. > > e.g Ref.ID :80831113461 > > Your received 1,000 KSHS from JOHN SMITH.YOUR AVAILABLE BALANCE IS > 5000 > KSHS ( assuming you had 4000 in your phone before) > > > On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 4:26 PM, saidimu apale <saidimu@gmail.com> wrote: > >> Any word on launch dates? On how it actually works (from the >> consumer >> side >> and from Zap's side)? Or is this vaporware? >> >> saidi >> >> On Wed, Sep 23, 2009 at 8:28 AM, Joseph McDonald >> <mcdonaldoj@gmail.com>wrote: >> >>> Hi Guys >>> >>> Am just from a product launch. >>> >>> ZAP has been modified to enable people from overseas to send money >>> direct >>> from their bank account,to the mobile phone of a local receipient. >>> >>> They say this will revolutionize money transfer as we know it in >>> East >>> Africa. >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Skunkworks mailing list >>> Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >>> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >>> Other lists >>> ------------- >>> Announce: >>> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce >>> Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science >>> kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general >>> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Skunkworks mailing list >> Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke >> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks >> Other services @ http://my.co.ke >> Other lists >> ------------- >> Announce: >> http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce >> Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science >> kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general >> > > > _______________________________________________ > Skunkworks mailing list > Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks > Other services @ http://my.co.ke > Other lists > ------------- > Announce: > http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce > Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science > kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general >

-- Sent from my Voice Recognition Watch© -------------------------------------------------------------------- God is not an excuse for lack of discipline -------------------------------------------------------------------- Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful beyond measure.It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.As we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear,our presence automatically liberates others. _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

_______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

-- Solomon Mburu P.O. Box 19343 - 00202 Nairobi Cell: (+254-0) 735 431041

Man is a gregarious animal and enjoys agreement as cows will graze all the same way to the side of a hill!

AND

It is better to die in dignity than in the ignomity of ambiguous generosity!

blog: http://desires-and-dreams.blogspot.com _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general

-- with Regards:

Lessons we learn from from friends we lost to misdiagnosed illnesses; at my blog: http://gramware.blogspot.com _______________________________________________ Skunkworks mailing list Skunkworks@lists.my.co.ke http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks Other services @ http://my.co.ke Other lists ------------- Announce: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/skunkworks-announce Science: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/science kazi: http://lists.my.co.ke/cgi-bin/mailman/admin/kazi/general