Safaricom's Lipa Mdogo Mdogo Smartphone Sales Soar to Over 1.2m

 

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa 

Safaricom has revealed that it has sold over 1.2 million smartphone devices through itsLipa Mdogo Mdogo initiative. Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. The telco's Lipa Mdogo Mdogo initiative allows customers to pay for smartphones in instalments. How much do Kenyans pay for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo? In its 2024 sustainability report, the telecommunications company noted it added five new devices to the programme in partnership with Meta, Google, and M-Kopa Solar. 

 "Through our partnership with Google, we have advanced the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo device financing initiative, with over 1.2 million devices sold since its inception. This year, we added five new devices to the programme, along with system stabilisation efforts to enhance user experience and expand access to affordable smartphones," Safaricom stated. The telco explained that Meta’s involvement in the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo initiative allows customers to purchase 4G smartphones with daily instalments as low as $0.20 (KSh 25) addressing affordability barriers for low-income users. 

During the period under review, the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo payments were automated, and new devices, including Neon Smarta and Ultra, were introduced. How many smartphones are connected to Safaricom? The number of smartphones connected to Safaricom's network increased from 20.3 million in 2023 to 22.93 million in 2024.Additionally, 4G-enabled smartphones grew to 17.31 million, compared to 13.22 million the previous year. The telco hopes to expand 4G+ connections from 17 million to 24 million customers in 2025, increasing coverage from 37% to 52%. 

by  Japhet Ruto