In 2021, Safaricom teamed up with Google to introduce a smartphone financing plan called Lipa Mdogo Mdogo. Renowned for its high-quality broadband network, Safaricom aimed to boost internet connectivity by offering the latest 4G smartphones.
The program quickly became one of the easiest ways for people to get new phones without having to pay a large upfront cost.
The service lets customers make a deposit as low as Sh. 1,000 and pay Sh. 20 daily over a set period, after which they own the smartphone.
Failure to make payments can result in the device being deactivated. The service covers devices from brands like TECNO, itel, Samsung, and Safaricom’s own Neon models.
How to qualify for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo Phones
To qualify for Safaricom’s phones on Loans, the following eligibility criteria must be met
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Must have a valid National ID card
- Must be using a 2G or 3G smartphone
- Should not have any outstanding loans with Safaricom services eg Okoa Jahazi/Fuliza
- Must not be blacklisted on the CRB
- Must have been a Safaricom Customer for at least one year.
What to keep in mind before deciding on the best device
- Your budget
- Phone Specifications
- Brand reputation
Best Lipa Mdogo Mdogo Phones
- TECNO Spark 7
- Infinix HOT 10 Play
- itel A25 Pro
- Nokia C10
- Realme C11 (2021)
How to sign up for Lipa Mdogo Mdogo phones
- Visit the nearest Safaricom retail store or an authorized dealer
- Provide your personal information, including ID and Safaricom phone number
- Select the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo phone of your choice and the preferred payment plan
- Complete the application process and make the first payment
- Start making your monthly instalments via M-PESA or automatic airtime deductions
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Let’s explore the range of phones available through the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo program:
1. Top budget smartphones
| Product | Display | RAM | ROM | Colour | Dual SIM | Free Airtime | Price (Sh.) |
| Neon Ultra | 6.5” | 2GB | 32GB | Black | – | – | 8,999 |
| Neon Smarta | 5” | 2GB | 32GB | Black | Yes | – | 7,499 |
| Nokia C12 Pro | 6.3” | 2GB | 64GB | – | Yes | 1000 | 13,400 |
| Itel P55 | 6.6” | 4GB | 128GB | Black | Yes | 2000 | 15,800 |
| Itel P55 5G | 6.6” | 6GB | 128GB | Blue | Yes | 2000 | 19,900 |
2. Top Premium phones
| Product | Display | RAM | ROM | Colour | Free Airtime | Price (Sh.) |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 | 6.7” | 8GB | 256GB | Graphite | 5000 | 196,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | 7.6” | 12GB | 512GB | Black | 5000 | 325,999 |
| iPhone 14 | 6.1” | 6GB | 128GB | – | 5000 | 193,999 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | 6.8” | 12GB | 512GB | – | 5000 | 275,999 |
3. Top Tecno Smartphones
| Product | Display | ROM | RAM | Colour | Dual SIM | Free Airtime | Price (Sh.) |
| Tecno Pop 8 | 6.6” | 4GB | 128GB | Black | Yes | 1000 | 16,411 |
| Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G | 6.67” | 8GB | 256GB | Dark Welkin | Yes | 5000 | 48,999 |
| Tecno Camon 20 Premier 5G | 6.67” | 8GB | 512GB | Dark Welkin | Yes | 5000 | 62,819 |
| Tecno Spark 10 5G | 6.6” | 8GB | 256GB | Blue | Yes | 3000 | 20,732 |
| Tecno Camon 20 Pro | 6.67” | 8GB | 256GB | Blue | Yes | 4000 | 35,733 |
| Tecno Spark 20 | 6.6” | 4GB | 128GB | Black | Yes | 2000 | 18,688 |
4. Top Samsung Smartphones
| Product | Display | RAM | ROM | Colour | Dual SIM | Free Airtime | Price (Sh.) |
| Samsung A05 | 6.7” | 4GB | 128GB | Silver/Green | Yes | 2000 | 19,700 |
| Samsung A05s | 6.7” | 4GB | 128GB | Black | Yes | 3000 | 20,300 |
| Samsung Galaxy A04s | 6.5” | 4GB | 64GB | Green | Yes | 3000 | 23,999 |
| Samsung A15 | 6.4” | 4GB | 128GB | Blue | Yes | 3000 | 26,500 |
| Samsung A25 | 6.5” | 6GB | 128GB | Blue | Yes | 4000 | 41,400 |
5. Top Itel Smartphones
| Model | Display | RAM | ROM | SIM | Colour | Free Airtime | Price (Sh.) |
| Itel A60s | 6.6” | 4GB | 64GB | Dual SIM | Green | 1000 | 8,900 |
| Itel P55 | 6.6” | 4GB | 128GB | Dual SIM | Black | 1000 | 10,850 |
| Itel S23+ | 6.78” | 4GB | 128GB | Dual SIM | Lake Cyan | 2000 | 20,400 |
| Itel A70 | 6.6” | 3GB | 128GB | Dual SIM | Blue | 1000 | 10,550 |
| Itel P55+ | 6.6” | 8GB | 128GB | Dual SIM | Green | 1000 | 14,750 |
| Itel S23 | 6.6” | 4GB | 128GB | Dual SIM | White | 1000 | 11,300 |