Safaricom launches Ksh20 a day 4G smartphone

Those using a 2G network mobile phone, commonly referred to as ‘kabambe’ will now be able to acquire a 4G smartphone by paying Sh20 per day to Safaricom for 9 months. One will only have to pay a down payment of Sh1000 then pay the remaining amount slowly.

The 4G smartphone is called Neon Ray Pro which costs Sh5,999 at Safaricom shops.

“Today I am pleased to announce the launch of #LipaMdogoMdogo which will help close the digital divide and deepen internet penetration, driving economic benefits where they are needed most,” Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said on Tuesday during the launch of the initiative.

To qualify for the #lipaMdogoMdogo smartphone, you need to be 18 years old and above. You must have used your Safaricom line for at least one year. You have to be a regular user of Safaricom products such as SMS, Calls or M-PESA. Your phone must also be a 2G network phone. If you need to confirm that you meet the criteria, dial *544#, click ‘lipa mdogo mdogo’ and check whether you qualify.

Once you are sure that you qualify for #lipamdogomdogo, go to a Safaricom shop with Sh1,000 and you will be able to acquire a 4G smartphone.

Through this initiative, Mr Ndegwa hopes to expose everyone to the digital world so as to improve their economic prospects.

“The impact of the pandemic has exposed the inequalities that exist for people who are unable to access the internet. This is something I am personally committed to addressing to ensure we leave no one behind,” Mr Ndegwa affirmed.

Safaricom has partnered with Google, which manufactured the Neon Ray Pro smartphone.

“Access to the opportunities the internet offers is critical for any nations’ economic growth and social inclusion. We believe this collaboration will bring more Kenyans online and help them take advantage of the opportunities that exist online,” the Director, Android and Platforms Partnerships at Google Mariam Abdullahi said.