What is Lipa Mdogo Mdogo?
Lipa Mdogo Mdogo is a service from Safaricom, in partnership with Google to help customers upgrade to 4G smartphone devices.
As the name suggests, the service allows customers to make manageable payments over several months after paying a deposit, provided they meet the qualification criteria.
The service can be accessed by dialling *544# and selecting option 5 for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo.
Who Qualifies for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo?
To qualify for the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo service, one must meet three requirements;
- They must be using a 2G or 3G smartphone
- They must not be listed on the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) for pending loans
- They must have been a Safaricom customer for at least six months.
Non-eligible customers will be notified via SMS on why they are not eligible and how they can become eligible.
How do I apply for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo?
Sign up for Lipa Mdogo by dialing *544# and selecting option 5 for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo. If successful, you will receive a voucher number to present at a Safaricom Shop when collecting the smartphone.
What Smartphone Can I Get?
The smartphone currently on offer for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo is the Neon Ray Pro. It comes with 1 GB free data at the point of purchase.
Customers also receive an additional 100MB YouTube data bundle upon making 7 days consecutive repayments.It comes with the Android Go operating system, ensuring it does not consume much data while running common apps.
It also comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer, but terms and conditions apply.
How do I make the payments?
Before collecting the smartphone at a Safaricom Shop, you will be required to pay a deposit of Ksh1,000.
The balance is to be paid in daily installments of Ksh20 to clear the balance within 9 months.
You have the option of paying the full amount as well provided you have the funds in your M-Pesa. The more you pay, the faster you clear your balance.
Daily payments can only be made via M-Pesa. You cannot pay via Fuliza.
What Happens if I miss payments?
In case you fail to make payments daily or weekly, you will receive reminder notifications.
If you default on the payment, Safaricom will lock the device on the fourth day after the repayments deadline limiting its use.
Should you continue to default, you will be barred from all outgoing calls and SMS on the seventh day.
If you default for 30 days, you will be disqualified and blacklisted from future device loan programs, and your details forwarded to the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).
What if the phone is lost or stolen?
Customers are advised to file a report with police if the phone is stolen. They will, however, still be required to make payments for the duration of the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo period.
As the loan is tied to your SIM card, one can make payments via USSD (Dial *544# and select pay) or the App.
Why should I Sign Up?
Safaricom is giving you an inexpensive chance to obtain a 4G-enabled device with the least hustle you can ever imagine. Without breaking the bank you can get back to your life in the digital world by sparing only Ksh20, that would be probably what lands into your coinbox, or rather potea.
Lost your phone? Or want to upgrade, this is surely the best way to get a smartphone that ticks all the boxes without the pain of parting with a huge sum at once.