Discover how Handas Jaba Juice turned khat into a bold beverage brand, reshaping celebrations with innovation, culture, and African spirit.

From Gin Dreams to Khat Innovation

In July 2024, Brian Kiriba returned to Kenya with a dream: to craft premium gin. But strict alcohol regulations blocked his path.

During this setback, Brian discovered khat, a traditional East African stimulant. Instead of quitting, he saw an opportunity. He decided to create a new kind of product—a beverage that captured khat’s energy without the bitter chewing experience.

The Birth of Handas Jaba Juice

Brian experimented in his old distillery, blending khat extract with hibiscus, fruit juice, and sugar. After several failed attempts (and a few broken blenders), he perfected the recipe.

Handas Jaba Juice offered a smooth, flavorful energy drink. It brought the stimulant’s benefits to a wider audience in a simple, convenient form.

Expanding Across East Africa

Handas quickly grew from Nairobi into other Kenyan towns and eventually Uganda. The drink became more than a product—it became a cultural phenomenon. Similar to what African Spirits Ltd, owned by billionaire Humprey Kariuki was before being placed under administration.

The Kenyan energy drinks market, valued at $320 million and growing over 12% annually, presented perfect timing for this innovation. Handas positioned itself as a unique player with strong regional potential.

Health, Regulation, and Responsibility

Khat remains legal in Kenya but is banned in some countries (DEA fact sheet). Handas takes a responsible approach.

The company emphasizes education and transparency, offering resources such as:

• Jaba Juice Blog
• Khat FAQ
• About Us

These efforts ensure consumers understand the product and enjoy it safely.

Innovation and the Future

By 2023, Handas evolved into a mission-driven brand. The company plans to launch new khat-based beverages that are healthier and more diverse.

Brian explains: “Our mission isn’t just to sell juice. We want to innovate African beverages and give people a healthier way to celebrate.”

A Toast to Africa

Handas Jaba Juice is more than a drink—it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and African spirit. Each sip reflects innovation, culture, and celebration.

Visit the Jaba Juice Store to experience the revolution, or learn more on our About Us page.

Kenya nabs 26-year-old hacker over $87,000 fintech fraud, highlighting Africa’s cybercrime threat amid rapid digital growth.

Kenya Cracks Down on $87K Cyber Fraud

[Nairobi, Kenya] – Kenya has ramped up its fight against cybercrime after police arrested a 26-year-old hacker accused of masterminding one of the country’s most audacious financial scams. The case highlights the growing cybersecurity challenges facing Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

The Arrest in Tatu City

The suspect, Seth Mwabe, was apprehended in Tatu City, a modern mixed-use hub near Nairobi. Authorities allege he breached a local betting firm’s payment system, siphoning approximately KSh11.4 million ($87,000) into multiple bank and mobile money accounts.

From Campus to Cybercrime

Mwabe, a former computer science student at Meru University of Science and Technology, dropped out before completing his studies. Investigators believe his technical expertise in software and networking enabled him to execute the sophisticated hack. Outwardly presenting himself as a tech entrepreneur in Tatu City, he allegedly ran a one-man cybercrime ring, laundering stolen funds through dozens of accounts created under false identities.

Fintech Growth Meets Security Risks

Kenya’s fintech boom, led by platforms like M-Pesa, has made digital transactions easier than ever. Yet, the surge in online betting and mobile payments also exposes vulnerabilities.This May,Equity Bank, Kenya’s biggest lender by customer base faced a fraud crisis,testing its digital leadership.The Communications Authority of Kenya reported over 700 million attempted cyberattacks last year, ranging from phishing scams to high-level payment fraud.

A Regional Challenge

Mwabe’s case mirrors broader trends across Africa. Countries like Nigeria and South Africa have also experienced similar breaches, highlighting that rapid fintech adoption is outpacing regulation. Experts warn that without stronger cybersecurity measures, trust in Africa’s digital economy could be at risk.

The Road Ahead

Mwabe remains in custody as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) collaborates with regulators and cybersecurity firms to trace potential accomplices and close loopholes in the betting sector. “This arrest is a wake-up call,” a senior DCI investigator told local media. “Kenya must secure its digital economy before cybercrime erodes public confidence.”

Britam eyes growth in Africa with Congo entry, focusing on acquisitions to tap low-insurance markets and diversify revenue.

Britam Holdings Ltd., Kenya’s biggest listed insurer, is stepping up its push across Africa as it prepares to enter Congo. The group is targeting countries with low insurance uptake to diversify income and strengthen its market position.

Britam already operates in seven African countries. Chief Executive Officer Tom Gitogo said the company will prioritize acquisitions over building from scratch, a strategy aimed at achieving faster growth while leveraging existing market structures.

At the same time, Britam plans to deepen operations in its current markets by expanding product offerings and reaching more under-served populations. This, Gitogo noted, will boost earnings and create long-term value.

“Africa presents enormous potential in insurance, given the continent’s low penetration rates,” Gitogo said. “Through acquisitions, we can scale quickly while ensuring sustainable growth.”

The Congo entry marks just the beginning of a broader expansion strategy that could see Britam, which posted record profits in 2023, emerge as a leading pan-African insurer, tapping into rising incomes and increasing demand for risk protection.