Tecno, Infinix and itel smartphones now part of Safaricom’s Lipa Mdogo Mdogo program

Transsion Group brands Tecno, Infinix and itel are the latest additions to Safaricom’s affordable device financing program dubbed Lipa Mdogo Mdgo.

The program, launched over a year and a half ago, allows Kenyans access to 4G smartphones from Safaricom at a small fee, starting at Kshs 20 per day after paying a deposit.

“In addition to the Neon Ray Pro, which was the first device under Lipa Mdogo Mdogo, customers can now choose from three additional devices including itel A24, Tecno Spark 7 and Tecno Camon 17. The devices are available at all Safaricom Shops and dealer outlets with a deposit of Kshs 500, Kshs 3,000, and Kshs 5,000 respectively, with the balance payable via flexible daily, weekly, or monthly installments,” a statement reads.

According to Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, over half a million Kenyans have made the jump from 2G to 4G phones courtesy of the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo program.

The company’s goal, as stated during the program’s launch last year, is to have 1 million Kenyans upgrade from 2G phones to 4G smartphones.

“Lipa Mdogo Mdogo is delivered in partnership with Android, Google’s operating system for internet-enabled devices. All the 4G devices on offer are loaded with a suite of Google Apps designed to give users a great smartphone experience and come with 1 GB free data at the point of purchase, and 50MB valid for 24 hours with every installment payment,” the joint statement from Transsion, Google and Safaricom continues.

“Android’s goal has always been to democratize access by bringing the power of computing to everyone. The uptake of Lipa Mdogo Mdogo since it’s launch in 2020 is proof that affordability continues to be a key barrier of entry into the digital world. We are pleased to extend this partnership to enable more Safaricom users to take advantage of the opportunities that exist online,” Mariam Abdullahi, the Android Platforms Partnerships director for Africa is quoted saying.

“To acquire a device, customers can visit any Safaricom Shop or dealer outlet, or dial *544# and select option 8 – Lipa Mdogo Mdogo.”

M-Kopa, another Safaricom partner, has also been running a similar program. Unlike Safaricom’s, which is targeted at increasing its 4G user base, M-Kopa’s program ties in with its existing focus on the “underbanked” in Africa that has seen it diversify its portfolio of connected device financing from energy solutions to consumer electronics like mobile phones, televisions and radios.