In October last year, we did an interesting podcast on The Internet of Things (IoT), a topic we believe affects most of our day-to-day activities. In the episode, we also highlighted some of the IoT projects that Kenya’s leading telco Safaricom is implementing in the country. And well, it looks like the telco is expanding these projects to include smart vehicle tracking.
Safaricom says it will pilot an IoT powered Telematics solution which integrates with vehicle’s on-board computer, collects information on several parameters that are accumulated and recorded at the end and start of each trip. This provides insights into journey duration, vehicle speed, route information, fuel consumption and driver behaviour. The telematics solution will be installed in Raaji Bharij and his navigator Tauseef Khan’s Ford Mark 1, 1969 during this year’s East African Safari Classic Rally.
“As part of our journey to becoming a fully-fledged technology company, we are in the process of testing new IoT solutions which will allow systems, processes, machinery and ‘things’ to become truly interconnected and interoperable.” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.
”This technology delivers a clear overview of what is happening in every part of an ecosystem, without disrupting operations. The Telematics offering which we are piloting at the East African Safari Classic Rally allows for visualization of information relating to vehicle performance and efficiency, vehicle status and driver behaviour; providing key information to better manage any fleet”, he added.
The Smart Vehicle Tracking System pilot is part of a sponsorship deal that has seen Safaricom commit KES 1 million in support of Raaji’s quest for a podium finish at the East African Safari Classic Rally.
“We are grateful to Safaricom for their sponsorship and honoured to be piloting their new smart vehicle tracking system. As far as our team’s ambition for the rally is concerned, firstly we want to ensure the car is in one piece after each leg and secondly to be among the top finishers”, said Raaji
Last week Safaricom also announced a KES 6 million sponsorship for the East African Safari Classic Rally through its M-PESA platform. The Telco is also backing reigning African Rally Champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo as he targets a podium finish at the event.
The rally will begin with scrutineering at the KWSTI in Naivasha where the event will be flagged off. The action then proceeds to Sarova Woodlands in Nakuru, Coverdale in Nanyuki for two days, Kilima Camp in Amboseli for three days, Salt Lick Lodge at Taita Hills, before concluding at Ocean Sports in Watamu, where the Prize Giving Gala will be held.
You can listen to our IoT podcast below.
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