Safaricom has announced a major milestone in its Lipa Mdogo Mdogo device financing initiative, revealing that over 2 million Kenyans have successfully upgraded to 4G smartphones through affordable daily installment payments.
The company highlighted this achievement on Friday, May 9, at the release of its 2025 full-year financial results.
The program, Lipa Mdogo Mdogo, has enabled over 2 million customers to acquire 4G smartphones through affordable daily installments, transforming access to mobile internet across Kenya.
Google partnership enables low-cost 4G upgrades via Lipa Mdogo Mdogo
Launched in 2020 in partnership with Google, the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo program enables customers to acquire smartphones for as low as Ksh 20 per day, offering an affordable path for those currently using 2G or 3G phones to transition to faster 4G devices.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized the program’s impact: “Lipa Mdogo Mdogo will help the mwananchi who earn their wages daily acquire a range of smartphones and pay in easy daily instalments”.
To qualify, customers must have been Safaricom subscribers for at least one year and not be listed on the Credit Reference Bureau for pending loans.
After a small down payment, customers can spread the remaining cost over 12 months, paying daily installments that fit their budget.
Ndegwa highlighted the broader goal: “We recognize that today’s mobile phone is not just a device; it is a tool for development.”
4G for more: Lipa Mdogo Mdogo’s impact in Kenya
The scheme has played a key role in bridging Kenya’s digital divide by increasing smartphone penetration from 45 percent to broader 4G adoption.
Safaricom has invested heavily in expanding its 4G network, achieving 77 percent coverage in significant towns and aiming for 80 percent within five years.
The program also supports Safaricom’s mission of bringing more Kenyans online and enabling access to digital services, business opportunities, and entertainment.
Safaricom’s partnership with manufacturers like Transsion, Samsung, and Nokia ensures that affordable smartphones offered through the plan provide a quality user experience with pre-loaded Google apps such as Gmail and YouTube.
The initiative’s success has inspired plans to replicate the device financing model in other markets, including Ethiopia.
Safaricom’s device financing strategy has helped millions gain digital access through affordable payment plans in Kenya.