Safaricom has announced it is introducing two Neon smartphones to its Lipa Mdogo Mdogo program as it seeks to expand affordable internet accessibility. The program offers Kenyans internet-enabled smartphones that they can pay-as-they-use on a daily or weekly basis.
The new smartphones include the Neon Smarta and the more advanced Neon Ultra, which offers a larger screen and enhanced camera performance. Both devices are available from as low as KES 50 daily at any Safaricom Shop or dealer outlet, or via *544# under option 8 – Lipa Mdogo Mdogo.
“We are keen to enable more Kenyans to enjoy the transformative power of the internet by availing affordable 4G devices through Lipa Mdogo Mdogo, which has already empowered over 1 million Kenyans to upgrade from 2G feature phones. We also continue to invest in our network to provide our customers with the best connectivity across the country,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.
As part of the telco’s move to be a digital lifestyle enabler, customers purchasing the two smartphones via Lipa Mdogo Mdogo will enjoy bundled data and minutes throughout the repayment period. The Neon Ultra will be bundled with 120MB and 5 minutes daily, while the Neon Smarta will be bundled with 100MB and 5 minutes daily.
The neon range is designed to offer an optimal combination of screen size, battery capacity, storage, memory and camera at affordable prices while empowering users to enjoy the reliability and wide coverage of Safaricom’s 4G network
Safaricom’s Lipa Mdogo Mdogo partnerships
The Lipa Mdogo Mdogo program was launched in 2020 to spur 4G uptake in the country by upgrading customers from 2G feature phones to affordable 4G smartphones.
The program is delivered in partnership with Android, Google’s operating system for internet-enabled devices. It seeks to enable Kenyans who can’t afford smartphones have access to the devices at a low price. All smartphones on offer are loaded with a suite of Google Apps including search, maps, Gmail, and YouTube.
“Android’s goal has always been to democratise access by bringing the power of computing to everyone. The uptake of Lipa Mdogo Mdogo since its launch in 2020 is proof that affordability continues to be a key barrier to 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,” said Mariam Abdullahi, Director, Android and Platforms Partnerships for Africa.
Since the program’s inception in 2020, Safaricom has further partnered with manufacturers such as Transsion, Samsung and Nokia to include more smartphones on the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo. According to Safaricom, the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo has already empowered over 1 million Kenyans to upgrade from 2G feature phones.
Safaricom remains keen on bridging the digital divide, and through its “Mwelekeo ni internet campaign”, it provides affordable data bundles and 4G devices, while showcasing the transformative power of the internet.
