Learning how to convert handwritten notes to Word online is useful when you want to turn information written in a notebook, on paper, or on a whiteboard into an editable digital document. Instead of typing everything manually, you can use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to identify handwritten words and convert them into text.
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How to Convert Excel to CSV
Learning how to convert Excel to CSV is useful when transferring spreadsheet data between different applications, databases, and computer programs. CSV stands for Comma-Separated Values. It is a file format that stores spreadsheet information as plain text, with commas separating individual values. Unlike Excel files, CSV files do not preserve features such as colours, formulas, charts, and cell formatting.
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NCA, NEMA oppose reopening of Twiga Beach Hotel after deadly collapse
Listen to articleThe development, which partially collapsed on July 13, 2026, left one person dead and another injured, raising concerns over the safety of the structure and compliance with construction regulations.The National Construction Authority (NCA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) have urged Parliament to maintain the suspension of construction works at Twiga Beach Hotel in Watamu, Kilifi County, citing serious building violations, environmental concerns and safety risks.
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M-Pesa tops Kenya’s Superbrands 2026 ranking
M-Pesa has been ranked Kenya’s strongest brand for 2026 in Superbrands East Africa’s annual consumer rankings, with Safaricom, its parent company, in second place.
Samsung came third, followed by WhatsApp and Google. Naivas, Dettol, Bolt, Kenya Airways and YouTube completed the top 10. Tech and digital platforms took seven of the top 10 places.
The rankings are based on research by Kantar. About 2,250 consumers across Kenya rated more than 1,900 shortlisted brands in 112 categories on quality, reliability and distinction. M-Pesa scored 91.9 overall, with 98% awareness, the highest of any brand.
The study found that 86% of consumers surveyed are likely to buy a product or service carrying the Superbrands seal, and 84% say the recognition would increase their trust in a brand. However, only 63% would consider paying more for a brand with the seal, suggesting Kenyan consumers remain highly conscious of value.
“Kenyan consumers have many brands to choose from, but what ultimately matters is whether a brand delivers on its promises,” said Jawad Jaffer, project director and associate publisher at Superbrands East Africa.
“For businesses, this is a reminder that consumer trust must be earned consistently through brand building, not simply through advertising.”
Influencers face trust gap
The research also looked at the role of social media influencers in purchasing decisions. It found that 58% of consumers trust influencer recommendations at least some of the time, but only 10% trust them consistently. Another 42% said they do not trust them at all, either because they see endorsements as insincere or because they prefer to make their own decisions.
Product packaging remains the main way consumers see the Superbrands seal, cited by 64% of respondents, followed by television at 31% and social media at 29%. While 50% associate the seal with excellence, quality and trust, 26% mistake it for a manufacturer’s logo.
Keith Pere and Wetindi Patrick, project leads at Kantar Insights EA, said the strongest brands are those that meet consumers’ functional and emotional needs while offering something meaningfully different from competitors.
Other tech brands in the top 30 include TikTok at 13th, LG at 24th and Glovo at 27th. Equity Bank was the highest-ranked bank, at 21st.
Consumer willingness to recommend Superbrands-recognised brands has also improved, with the Net Promoter Score rising from 10 in 2024 to 31 in 2026.
Go to TECHTRENDSKE.co.ke for more tech and business news from the African continent and across the world.
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CS Joho Warns Dealers, Event Hosts As Government Regulates Diwali Fireworks Displays
Cabinet Secretary for Mining Hassan Joho has issued strict regulations governing fireworks displays ahead of the three-day Diwali celebrations, scheduled to run from Friday, November 6, to Sunday, November 8, 2026.
In a directive issued on Tuesday, November 3, the Ministry limited fireworks displays to the hours between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM across the three festival days, emphasizing that all activities must strictly adhere to national safety standards.
“The Hindu community is requested to ensure that fireworks displays are carried out within the requirements of the Explosives Act Cap 115 Laws of Kenya. Fireworks displays should be carried out in an orderly manner so that the general public are not inconvenienced,” CS Joho announced.
Organizers wishing to host fireworks displays must obtain official permits from the State Department for Mining at Madini House in Nairobi or through regional county mining offices prior to their events.
Under the new guidelines, displays are strictly confined to authorized venues, including:
Registered clubs, hotels, and sports grounds
Hindu temples
School compounds
Any alternative venue will require explicit written clearance from an Inspector of Explosives.
To prevent accidents in populated centers, the Ministry set technical limits and operational rules:
Calibre Restrictions: Aerial display shells are limited to a maximum of four-inch calibre in urban and built-up areas, unless granted a special exemption by an Inspector of Explosives.
Personnel Standard: Only qualified, experienced, and sober individuals will be permitted to ignite aerial shells and high-altitude fireworks.
Sales Restrictions: Fireworks dealers are strictly prohibited from selling fireworks to children under the age of 13—an offense under the Explosives Act that carries severe financial penalties.
Permit Verification: Dealers may only sell specialized aerial fireworks (such as shells, rockets, Roman candles, and cakes) to buyers presenting valid permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, marks a central period on the Hindu calendar symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The holiday is traditionally celebrated through prayers, family gatherings, oil lamps (diyas), exchanging gifts, and fireworks.
In Kenya, Diwali is recognized under the Public Holidays Act as a specific holiday for members of the Hindu faith rather than a national public holiday.
Although President William Ruto pledged in 2024 to formally declare Diwali a nationwide public holiday observed on November 1 annually, the proposal has not been enacted into law. As of November 2026, the celebration remains a designated public holiday exclusively for the Hindu community.
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How to Convert Excel to PDF Without Losing Formatting
Learning how to convert Excel to PDF without losing formatting is important when sharing spreadsheets, financial reports, invoices, budgets, or business records. Converting an Excel file incorrectly can cause columns to become cut off, tables to split across pages, or text to appear too small.
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Michael Carrick’s message to Matheus Cunha speaks volumes after Man Utd win as full-time exchange cleared up
Michael Carrick has sent a pointed message to Matheus Cunha after the Brazilian scored twice and was sent off during Manchester United's 3-2 Champions League win over Roma at Old Trafford.
United went 2-0 down against the Italian giants in yet another first half to forget, but pulled off an astonishing comeback in the second half.
Cunha scored on 83 and 86 minutes but was booked for taking his shirt off during the celebrations, before being booked again minutes later for a foul. He had an angry exchange with Carrick at full-time as he tried to re-enter the pitch – a matter which a specific part of UEFA's rulebook has cleared up – and the United head coach's comments about the Brazilian in his post-match press conference speak volumes.
Speaking to reporters during his post-match press conference, Carrick praised Cunha's performance and explained the half-time tactical change that prompted his two goals.
“Matheus, yeah… Matheus can do those things. He’s got them moments," Carrick stated. "We swapped him with Bryan [Mbeumo] at half-time to try and get him into the middle of the pitch, give us a bit of a different shape. We put him in the centre of the pitch and he found himself in good positions.”
But more pointed was his message in regards to the red card – and how he is now pushing for Cunha to produce that sort of performance more often.
“Disappointed with how it finished [the red card]. But again, it just shows how much he cares and what he’s willing to do. And when he’s in that frame of mind, he’s in that mood and he plays like that, that’s why we want him here.”
Carrick also spoke highly of Shea Lacey, who came on for the last 15 minutes and assisted Cunha's winner: "The boys respect Shea a lot. He's desperate to do well and he was even defending at right-back towards the end, which I was joking with him about after the game. It just shows what he's prepared to do."
After Carrick attempted to stop Cunha from entering the pitch at full-time, due to UEFA rules on red carded players, the Brazilian was seen being animated as he walked towards the tunnel and back towards the dressing room.
According to Fabrizio Romano, there were no issues between the pair either during or after the exchange.
"According to my sources, Michael Carrick just wanted Matheus Cunha not to get involved in any more trouble," Romano said on his YouTube channel. "He already got a red card, and he didn't want the situation to get worse. It was nothing negative, no problems between them."
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MMUST launches lactation and childcare centre for student mothers and staff
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has launched a Lactation and Childcare Centre aimed at addressing the childcare challenges facing student mothers and university staff with young children.The facility, launched on November 3, 2026, is designed to promote an inclusive and family-friendly university environment by providing structured childcare support and lactation services.
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“Are You Ready?”: Winnie Odinga Teases Major Announcement Ahead of 2027 Nairobi Senate Bid
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape after teasing a major upcoming announcement, further fueling intense speculation surrounding her strategy for the 2027 General Election.
In a short video shared across her social media platforms on Monday, November 2, 2026, the lawmaker dropped a subtle hint about her political future, asking her audience a direct question: “Are you ready?”
While Winnie stopped short of confirming which political party or coalition ticket she will run on, the strategic timing of the teaser has sparked widespread conversation among analysts and supporters alike about how she plans to navigate the post-Raila political era.
The video teaser comes shortly after Winnie engaged her fanbase directly through an interactive Instagram poll, asking followers to weigh in on her political direction and party alignment ahead of 2027.
The results of the poll delivered a clear signal, with the “Linda Mwananchi” option securing a commanding 72% of the total votes. The strong showing has sparked questions over whether she might align with the newly launched political movement or forge an independent path.
Winnie’s latest move comes just weeks after she officially declared her candidacy for the Nairobi County Senate seat in 2027. She first made her intentions public during an October 2026 memorial service honoring her late father, former Prime Minister and long-time opposition leader Raila Odinga.
By entering the Nairobi senatorial race, Winnie steps up to fill the void expected to be left by incumbent Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has signaled intentions to pursue higher office in the upcoming election cycle. As political realignments continue to take shape across the capital, Winnie’s upcoming announcement is expected to outline her formal campaign platform and organizational structure.
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Democrats tear up Trump’s political map on historic night
Democrats have torn up Donald Trump’s political map on a night that will send shockwaves through American politics for years to come.With a string of major Senate victories in states that have been reliably Republican for decades – and in Kansas’s case, nearly a century – a blue tidal wave crashed across the nation, sweeping Republicans out of power.