By Reuben Kimani
The National budget for 2018/2019 Financial Year allocated infrastructure the biggest amount of funds standing at Shs112.99 billion, Transport Sh90.42 billion while energy was allocated Shs 59.89 billion and in total, development will take 38.99 percent of the national government's total allocation. This is a huge support towards the growth of our economy which will encourage the private...
Members of Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest can combine their accounts to travel all over the world further, faster and easier than ever before
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates- A new era is beginning for the more than 110 million members of Marriott International’s (www.Marriott.com) award-winning loyalty programs – Marriott Rewards, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and...
Three iconic African fashion designers were brought on board to create 12 extraordinary outfits from vast amounts of data extracted from the cities of Nairobi, Lagos and Johannesburg
GAUTENG, South Africa, The power of technology and fashion have combined in a thought-provoking project that demonstrates how data can transform African cities. Tech leader Siemens (www.Siemens.com) used data from...
Kisumu, Kenya – The Kisumu edition of Safaricom Twaweza Live climaxed with electric performances yesterday at ASK Showground, Kisumu.
The live music concert had a lineup consisting of the legendary duo Gidi Gidi Maji Maji, Nameless, Musa Jakadala, Jah Bruno, Jua Cali, Willy Paul, Akothee, Mercy Masika and King Kaka.
The Kisumu edition had artistes come up with creative...
Revamped Kakamega and Bungoma shops to complement new Busia shop in meeting the rising demand for Safaricom products & services in the region.
Kisumu, Kenya – 20th August 2018… Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has today opened a new retail shop in Busia to cater for the high demand in the Western Region as part of retail expansion strategy...
Long-lasting entertainment with a bigger screen and dual front-facing stereo speakers, the supercharged Nokia 2.1 is now available through accredited retailers.
Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday 22nd August 2018…HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has today announced that the new Nokia 2.1 is now available to buy from accredited retailers from KES 11,500.
Delivering a massive 50% performance boost...
Telco partners with Google to increase smartphone uptake among 10 million feature phone users, offers installment payment plan
Nairobi, Kenya – Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has today launched a three-month campaign to increase smartphone uptake among Kenya’s feature phone users by offering affordable 3G devices, convenient payment terms and personalized data offers.
Through the “Maisha Ni Digital” campaign, Safaricom hopes...
Nairobi, Kenya – Safaricom’s (NSE: SCOM) DigiFarm has emerged top of the Shared Value Category in the just concluded Loeries Awards in Durban, South Africa.
The Loeries is an initiative that recognizes, rewards, inspires and fosters creative excellence in the brand communication industry in Africa and Middle East. The Shared Value category recognizes brands that solve social problems...
(Reuters) - PepsiCo is buying household drink-machine maker SodaStream in a $3.2 billion deal, it said on Monday, seeking an edge in health-conscious beverages as it battles chief rival Coca-Cola .
PepsiCo will acquire SodaStream for $144 per share in cash, representing a 10.9 percent premium to the Friday closing price of SodaStream's U.S.-listed stock.
SodaStream, which makes machines that...
33 year old father of three becomes the latest winner in the promotion that has seen the telco reward thousands of customers
Nairobi, Kenya – Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has awarded the sixth winner of an apartment worth KES 7.8 million in the ongoing Maisha Ni M-PESA Tu Promotion.
Joseph Kung’u Wanjiku from Riruta, Dagoretti becomes the new homeowner of an apartment...
![Canon’s RF/EF lens production exceeds 170 million units, extending its world record in interchangeable lens production Both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume Canon Inc. announced that, in October 2025, Canon reached a historic milestone of producing a cumulative total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced. The EF lens was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens system for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex film camera, debuting simultaneously with the EOS system itself. Since their inception, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a series of world-first technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, and have undergone numerous evolutions. In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series, designed for the EOS R mirrorless camera system, which features a large aperture, short back focus, and high-speed communication system to deliver even higher image quality. The RF and EF lens series lineup now includes a total of 108 models , covering a wide range of focal lengths from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series also includes the world’s first VR lens lenses with built-in power zoom suited for video shooting, and even those compatible with power zoom adapters—expanding the scope of creative expression and meeting the diverse needs of users for both still photography and video. EF lens production began at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume. Today, Canon manufactures lenses at five sites: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc. Milestones include 10 million units produced by 1995 and 50 million by 2009. Then in 2014, Canon became the first company in the world to reach 100 million interchangeable camera lenses produced. In October 2025, the company reached 170 million units, leading to the achievement of this world record. The 170 millionth lens produced was the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. Canon has maintained the No.1 global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Moving forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies and further strengthen and expand its lens lineup, pioneering new imaging possibilities and contributing to the continued evolution of photographic and video culture. Highlights in the development of the RF/EF Lens Series The EF lens, which was introduced alongside EOS in March 1987, has adopted a variety of world-first technologies, including Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, featured in the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995; a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, used in the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001; and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) [7], applied to the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008. In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system consisting of a mirrorless camera [8], dedicated lens, and PC software, thereby creating a 3D 180° VR video through an interchangeable lens camera. In 2024, Canon began rolling out a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings, designed to meet the needs of both still photography and professional video production. For zoom lenses, the company has also launched RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For single focus lenses, the company released F1.4 L hybrid prime lens series that unified the size and ring and button position across models. In September 2025, Canon launched RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this series, demonstrating that it can meet demands in line with the changing times. [1] Includes EF, EF-S, EF-M, EF Cinema, RF, RF-S, and RF Cinema lenses and extenders. As of October 21, 2025 (according to a survey by Canon) [2] Among SLR cameras (according to a survey by Canon) [3] Number of products sold as of October 22, 2025 (including extenders). The number of lens models for sale is different according to market figures. [4] Focal length is 5.2mm to 1200mm when including VR lenses [5] An interchangeable digital camera lens that enables VR footage with a single camera. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras released as of October 5, 2021 (according to a survey by Canon) [6] Refers to unit share (according to a survey by Canon) [7] A special coating with advanced anti-reflective properties [8] For applicable cameras, please visit the official Canon website *Release dates in this document refer to dates in Japan. Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1.-Canon-EOS-R50-Mirrorless-Camera-for-Beginners-1024x764-1-100x70.jpg "Canon makes history with 170 Million lenses milestone")
