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Why You Should Stop Using Lipa Pole Pole Phone Plans in Kenya: High Costs and Hidden Fees

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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When you step outside your house here in Nairobi – Kenya’s largest city, there’s a high possibility you’ll almost immediately see an electronics shop with a Lipa Pole Pole label. Now to explain the concept of Lipa Pole Pole, we will compare it to the old-fashioned higher purchase style. It’s where you can easily walk into a shop, provide some identifications and in some instances confirmation of a steady income and leave with that item you’ve been longing for forever. The catch is, in almost all cases, the total cost of acquisition is usually very high. There are different variations of Lipa Pole Pole concepts out there including the popular Mkopa facility that is used to acquire mobile devices to be paid daily with limited functionality at least until the whole amount is settled.

As at now, there has cropped more than a dozen payment plans for various electronic devices here in Kenya. And payment plans for purchasing phones in particular as well as a few other electronic devices have become increasingly popular. Plans such as Lipa Polepole, Mkopa, and other similar buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services promise to offer consumers here in the country a convenient way to acquire the latest smartphones without an upfront cost, something that anyone might find interesting without looking into the tiny detail, as they say the devil is in the detail. While these plans may seem attractive at first glance, there are significant drawbacks associated with them of which we intent to highlight In this blog post. We are going to explore why it is high time to reconsider these payment plans and opt to purchase phones outright instead.

Quick Summary

  • High Total Cost: Payment plans often lead to a higher overall cost due to added interest rates and fees.
  • Financial Strain: Ongoing payments can place a financial burden on individuals and affect their credit history.
  • Limited Choices: Payment plans may limit the range of devices available and lead to lower-quality choices.

High Total Cost

One of the most significant if not the main drawback in these types of payment plans for purchasing phones through plans like Lipa Polepole and Mkopa is obviously the higher overall cost. These plans often include hidden fees that might not be seen at first with all the excitement of getting a phone and interest rates that can substantially increase the total amount paid for a device. While spreading payments over time may seem manageable, it ultimately results in consumers paying far more than the phone’s original price.

For example, a phone that costs KSh 20,000 upfront might end up costing over KSh 30,000 when purchased through a payment plan, due to interest and other fees. This additional cost could have been avoided by saving up and buying the phone outright.

Financial Strain

Engaging in payment plans can lead to ongoing financial strain for many individuals, and I must include especially in these days when taxes and high cost of living is gobbling every penny that we have. These plans require regular payments which can become a burden, especially for those with fluctuating incomes. Take for example someone in the so-called Jua Kali sector who might not have a steady flow of income. And by the way these are the type of people who these plans are meant for.  Failure to make payments on time can lead to penalties and negatively affect an individual’s credit history. Additionally, many BNPL services may not be transparent about the impact of delayed or missed payments, which might range from anywhere including disabling the device or even on a consumer’s credit score, which could have long-term financial consequences.

Case Study: Purchasing a Samsung Galaxy A14 with Lipa Pole Pole

A friend of mine decided to purchase a Samsung Galaxy A14 using a Lipa Pole Pole plan. The terms of the plan required a Ksh4,999 deposit followed by weekly payments of Ksh780 for a year.

Let’s break down the final costs:

  • Deposit: Ksh4,999
  • Weekly Payments: Ksh780 for 52 weeks (1 year) amounts to Ksh40,560
  • Total Cost: Ksh4,999 (deposit) + Ksh40,560 (weekly payments) = Ksh45,559

Now, compare this with the outright sale price of the Galaxy A14, which is Ksh28,999 if you buy direct. The difference is striking:

  • Direct Purchase: Ksh28,999
  • Lipa Pole Pole Purchase: Ksh45,559

By choosing the Lipa Pole Pole plan, my friend ended up paying an extra Ksh16,560 for the same phone. This significant markup demonstrates the high costs and hidden fees associated with such plans.

Limited Choices

While payment plans such as the one everyone is talking about – Mkopa may seem like an accessible option, they often come with limited choices. Many plans offer a selection of lower-cost or older devices which to be honest is a rip-off to say the least, restricting consumers from accessing the latest models or higher-quality products. This limitation can result in consumers not getting the best value for their money.

By saving up and purchasing a phone outright, consumers can choose from a wider range of options and invest in a higher-quality device that meets their needs more effectively.

Potential Impact

It’s important to recognize the potential impact of opting for payment plans when purchasing phones. The convenience of spreading out payments may seem appealing, but the long-term financial implications can be detrimental. Paying more than the original cost of a phone, experiencing financial strain due to ongoing payments, and being limited in choices are all significant downsides of these plans.

In my opinion, I would Instead say consider budgeting and saving up for a phone purchase outright. This approach will not only help you avoids the pitfalls of payment plans but also empowers yourself and the likes to make more informed choices and invest in quality devices. Taking control of your purchasing habits can lead to greater financial stability and satisfaction in the long run.

KCB Group to Expand Workforce Amid Digital Transformation Drive

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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KCB Bank is finally coming to terms with the idea that digital platforms are the future of banking and is planning to conduct a mass recruitment for the same. In a strategic move that is expected to bolster the bank’s digital infrastructure while catering for the evolving customer preferences, KCB Group, which is one of Kenya’s leading financial institutions has announced plans to hire an additional 400 employees across its regional operations. The initiative is aligned with the bank’s commitment to enhancing its digital platforms in response to the growing inclination towards non-branch banking services.

Quick Summary:

  • KCB Group is set to recruit 400 new employees across its regional operations to fortify its digital channels and meet the increasing demand for non-branch banking services.
  • The expansion aims to augment the bank’s workforce beyond the existing headcount of 12,220 employees, reflecting its strategic investment in digital leadership.
  • The new roles will focus on enhancing digital capabilities, fostering innovation, and leveraging data analytics to deliver customer-centric propositions efficiently.
  • KCB’s decision to bolster its workforce underscores the banking industry’s trend of creating job opportunities amid a challenging economic landscape, where layoffs and hiring freezes are prevalent in other sectors.

Paul Russo who is the bank’s Chief Executive Officer emphasized the institution’s commitment to digital innovation by announcing the recruitment drive aimed at strengthening its digital channels. He added that the addition of 400 new hires will reflect KCB’s proactive approach to adapting to changing market dynamics and cater to the evolving needs of its customers.

Russo highlighted the strategic importance of these new roles while emphasizing the bank’s endeavor to build a robust digital ecosystem that was capable of delivering innovative solutions swiftly and effectively. He also reiterated KCB’s focus on cultivating digital leadership by investing in talent that can drive technological advancements as well as enhancing customer experiences.

In addition to expanding its digital workforce, KCB Group also intends to recruit a Group Strategy and Innovation Director that will spearhead initiatives aimed at maximizing the utilization of data and analytics. The strategic appointment enhances the bank’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to gain actionable insights and drive strategic decision-making processes.

The decision to ramp up hiring efforts comes at a time when customer preferences in the banking sector are shifting towards fully-automated or self-service platforms, as evidenced by the latest Kenya Bankers Association customer satisfaction survey. This trend underscores the imperative for banks to invest in digital transformation initiatives to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of their clientele.

KCB’s planned recruitment drive builds upon its previous hiring activities with the group having added 1,123 employees last year, partly driven by the acquisition of DRC Congo’s Trust Merchant Bank.

I&M Bank Kenya’s Personal Account Growth Soars with Fee Waiver

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Remember back in 2020 when we Kenyans were graced with free mobile to bank transactions? Well some organizations continued with the transaction fee waiver even in the pot-covid era. I&M in particular has been trending for such arrangement and from the data they’ve released, it might have just paid-off. I&M Bank Kenya has made some significant waves in the banking sector by doubling its growth in personal accounts throughout the year 2023. Behind the impressive surge was the banks strategic decision to waive bank-to-mobile-money transaction fees, a move that reverberated positively among existing and prospective clients alike.

Quick Summary:

  • I&M Bank Kenya witnessed a remarkable increase in personal accounts, soaring from 257,388 to 326,054 by the end of December 2023.
  • The implementation of the fee waiver led to the addition of 68,666 new accounts in 2023, compared to 33,359 in the previous year.
  • This exponential growth not only expanded the bank’s customer base but also paved the way for diversification into other financial services, including loan disbursements and stock financing.
  • Despite the end of the Central Bank of Kenya’s pandemic-induced fee waiver, I&M Bank continued to zero-rate bank-to-mobile money wallet transactions, underscoring its commitment to customer-centric practices.

The decision to waive bank-to-mobile-money transaction fees proved to be a strategic masterstroke for I&M Bank where it managed to reap some substantial rewards in terms of customer acquisition and retention. According to its recent disclosures, the bank’s personal accounts witnessed a staggering surge with numbers doubling in comparison to the previous year.

Shameer Patel, the General Manager for Personal and Business Banking at I&M Bank, shed some light on the transformative impact of this initiative. He emphasized that the exponential growth in customer accounts served as a springboard for the bank to diversify its offerings which is now extending beyond traditional banking services. Patel noted that the surge in accounts which was occasioned by the fee waiver created a fertile ground for the provision of additional financial solutions, including unsecured loans and stock financing.

While many financial institutions opted to reintroduce fees on bank-to-mobile money wallet transactions following the conclusion of the Central Bank of Kenya’s waiver, I&M Bank remained steadfast in its commitment to customers. By continuing to zero-rate these transactions – not charging customers for moving cash from bank to mobile money wallets like MPESA, the bank not only prioritized customer savings but also reinforced its dedication to fostering financial inclusion.

Patel further elucidated on the strategic vision driving I&M Bank’s initiatives where he  highlighted the launch of Solo Biz, a specialized business account tailored to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs. By offering dedicated solutions such as supply chain financing, Solo Biz aims to empower business owners to manage their finances more effectively, thereby catalyzing growth and innovation within the entrepreneurial landscape.

DFC Approves $500,000 Technical Assistance Grant to Pezesha for Credit Scoring

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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A well-known Kenyan digital lending platform dubbed Pezesha that caters to small and medium-sized businesses aims to improve its credit scoring with the help of a $500,000 technical assistance grant issued by the Development and Finance Corporation. The grant, which Pezesha is expected to approve during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024, is a significant turning point that would allow the lending platform to increase its lending with data science and the use of cutting-edge machine learning.

Quick Summary:

  • Pezesha has received a $500,000 grant from the DFC to improve its credit scoring technology.
  • This funding will help them use data science and advanced machine learning techniques to make their lending processes more efficient.
  • Pezeshas goal is to assist one million SMEs by 2024 through partnerships, regulatory approvals and investor backing. 

Pezesha Africa Limited was founded in 2016 and has been leading the way, in offering convenient and budget loans to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. With the support of the DFCs aid grant Pezesha plans to improve its lending procedures by utilizing technologies to fine tune its credit assessment methods. This endeavor is in line, with the platforms objective of supporting a million SMEs by 2024.

Technological Advancements:

  • The integration of data science and machine-learning technologies will enable Pezesha to assess creditworthiness more accurately and efficiently.
  • Pezesha 2.0, launched in December last year, signifies a significant upgrade aimed at catering to a broader spectrum of micro-enterprises while ensuring faster loan processing and responsible fund utilization.

Economic Impact:

  • SMEs play a pivotal role in Kenya’s economy, contributing 34% to the GDP and creating employment opportunities for millions of people.
  • By providing instant capital to SMEs, Pezesha contributes to financial inclusion and economic empowerment, addressing the funding gap often faced by small businesses.

DFC’s Global Initiatives:

  • The DFC’s approval of 22 projects globally, totaling $697 million, underscores its commitment to supporting initiatives across diverse sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and enterprise development.
  • The allocation of funds to SFC Finance Limited and VACAP Hospitality S.A. reflects the DFC’s focus on empowering female entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa and fostering economic growth through infrastructure development.

Potential Impact:

The injection of capital, from the DFC into Pezeshas efforts to improve credit scoring has the potential to boost growth and make an impact on Kenyas medium sized enterprises sector. With the use of cutting edge technologies and valuable partnerships Pezesha is well positioned to contribute to promoting access generating employment opportunities and fostering economic wellbeing, in the area.

Plan to Separate M-Pesa from Other Safaricom Businesses on Course, Confirms CBK

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has reiterated its commitment to the plan of separating M-Pesa, Safaricom’s mobile money service from its other business entities. The strategic move aims to enhance governance while minimizing disruptions on bank-related transactions. A recent statement from the CBK confirm that discussions with Safaricom’s board regarding this separation are imminent.

Quick Summary:

  • CBK confirms the continuation of plans to separate M-Pesa from Safaricom’s other businesses to bolster governance.
  • The Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill 2022 also seeks to mandate telcos to maintain separate accounts and produce distinct reports for each of their businesses.
  • M-Pesa remains a crucial revenue generator for Safaricom, contributing 42.1% of its revenue in the first half of the financial year ending September 2023.
  • Tax liabilities amounting to KSh 75 billion have posed challenges to the separation process, causing delays.
  • Despite delays, CBK emphasizes the importance of oversighting M-Pesa operations to ensure regulatory compliance and transparency.

Understanding the Developments:

MPESA has for years gained traction in the country to the extent that its described as a monopoly. The move to separate M-Pesa from Safaricom’s broader operations gained momentum back in 2022 when CBK initiated discussions with telecommunications companies to delineate mobile money activities. The aim is to streamline regulatory oversight and mitigate risks associated with integrated business models.

Financial Impact:

  • M-Pesa remains a significant revenue contributor to Safaricom with its share increasing from 39.3% to 42.1% in the six months leading up to September 2023.
  • Profitability in Safaricom’s Kenyan business sector has seen notable growth, recording a 10.9% increase in profits during the same period.

Operational Metrics:

  • Active M-Pesa customers and merchants have witnessed steady growth, reflecting the service’s continued popularity and adoption.
  • M-Pesa’s role in driving financial inclusion in Kenya has been substantial, with coverage expanding from 26.7% in 2006 to an impressive 84% in 2021.

Legislative Support:

  • The Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill 2022 seeks to formalize the separation of telcos’ business entities and mandate distinct financial reporting for each segment.
  • Safaricom’s recent milestone in obtaining a mobile money license in Ethiopia underscores its expanding regional footprint and the significance of regulatory compliance across jurisdictions.

Potential Impact:

The separation of M-PESA business from other Safaricom’s operations is expected to enhance regulatory oversight while bolstering transparency and ensuring the sustainable growth of Safaricom’s mobile money business. By addressing tax liabilities and regulatory complexities, stakeholders can pave the way for a smoother transition and reinforce Kenya’s position as a regional leader in mobile financial services.

MultiChoice Urges Action to Combat Content Theft and Protect Kenya’s Creative Industry

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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In a compelling plea, MultiChoice Kenya which is a key player in the country’s entertainment sector, is rallying stakeholders to unite in the fight against content theft, which is causing substantial economic losses and stifling the growth of Kenya’s creative industry.

Quick Summary:

  • Kenya is losing an estimated Sh92 billion annually to piracy, equating to Sh252 million per day.
  • Piracy affects various sectors, including music, video content, cinema, television, books, magazines, newspapers, and gaming.
  • The government also suffers significant revenue losses due to piracy, including VAT, corporation tax, and income tax.
  • MultiChoice emphasizes the importance of combating piracy to protect the investments of content creators and attract further investment into Kenya’s film industry.

Understanding the Issue:

The staggering figures presented by MultiChoice Kenya Managing Director Nzola Miranda and Public Relations Manager Elisha Kamau underscore the severity of the piracy problem in Kenya. The rampant piracy of music, videos, and cinema content not only undermines the creative efforts of artists and filmmakers but also inflicts substantial financial losses on the economy.

Economic Impact:

  • The research conducted by Partners Against Piracy (PAP) reveals alarming statistics: Sh15 billion lost through pirated music, Sh32 billion through pirated video content, and Sh5 billion from cinema.
  • The government also suffers considerable revenue losses, including Sh12.69 billion in VAT, Sh2.49 billion in corporation tax, and Sh1.07 billion in income tax for residents and non-residents annually.

Implications for the Creative Industry:

  • Piracy poses a significant threat to the sustainability of the creative industry, as it deprives content creators of rightful earnings and discourages future investments.
  • MultiChoice highlights the detrimental effects of piracy on film creators, including the loss of royalties and potential investors who are deterred by the prevalence of piracy.

Call to Action:

  • MultiChoice urges collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address the piracy epidemic effectively.
  • Proposed measures include amendments to the Kenya Cyber Crime Act to enhance enforcement against piracy.
  • The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) advocates for stricter regulations and enforcement to safeguard local filmmakers from exploitation by foreign entities.

Potential Impact:

Addressing content theft is imperative not only for safeguarding the interests of content creators but also for nurturing a vibrant and sustainable creative industry in Kenya. By curbing piracy, stakeholders can foster an environment conducive to innovation, investment, and the continued growth of the entertainment sector.

Bank of Kigali Closes Nairobi Office, Emphasizes Digital Channels

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has revoked the authorization granted to the Bank of Kigali (BoK) which authorized it to operate its representative office in Kenya. The latest development comes after 11 years of the office’s establishment. BoK which is headquartered in Kigali, operates under the licensure and supervision of the National Bank of Rwanda and has a majority of its shares under the control of the Rwandan government while the remaining portion is divided among institutional and retail shareholders. Additionally, BoK is cross-listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

Quick Summary:

  • The Central Bank of Kenya has revoked Bank of Kigali’s authorization to operate in Kenya.
  • Bank of Kigali’s parent company, Bank of Kigali Group Plc, is prioritizing digital service delivery channels instead.
  • Customers are increasingly favoring digital and mobile banking channels over traditional branch visits, as per the Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (2023) by the Kenya Bankers Association.

The decision to terminate BoK’s presence in Kenya is in line with a strategic initiative by Bank of Kigali Group Plc (BoK’s parent company) to intensify its focus on digital service delivery channels instead of the commonly known traditional methods. The shift reflects broader trends within the banking sector, where institutions are increasingly investing in digital platforms due to a decline in traditional branch visits.

According to the Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (2023) conducted by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), there has been a notable surge in the preference for digital and mobile banking channels over physical branch visits. For example, In 2023 mobile banking emerged as the most preferred channel among customers with a stunning preference rate of 69.9 percent which was up from 67.8 percent in the previous year. Internet banking followed closely as the second most preferred channel, with a preference rate of 24.6 percent, showing a slight increase from 23.3 percent in 2022.

The data from the survey also highlights a diminishing reliance on branch visits, with customer preference dropping to 19.6 percent in 2023 from 17.6 percent in 2022. Similarly, the preference for ATM services stood at 17.7 percent. These findings confirm the growing significance of digital banking solutions in meeting the evolving needs and preferences of customers. Safaricom’s MPESA mobile money service has since surged to become the main form of transacting in the country.

Longhorn Publishers and Safaricom Partner to Provide 1.5 Million Tablets for Learners

Tuvuti Editorial Team
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Longhorn Publishers and Safaricom have joined forces to supply 1.5 million tablets to students across Kenya. Safaricom has been known to support various learning initiatives and this one does not come as a surprise. In the partnership, the new initiative aims to revolutionize the education sector by providing access to quality educational content which is aligned with the curriculum developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).

Quick Summary:

  • Longhorn Publishers and Safaricom collaborate to distribute 1.5 million tablets to students.
  • The tablets come preloaded with educational content aligned with the KICD curriculum.
  • Safaricom will handle tablet assembly, data connectivity, and insurance services.
  • The initiative aims to enrich learning experiences and promote digital literacy among students.

Partnership Highlights:

  • Comprehensive Educational Content: The tablets will offer a wide range of educational resources that should cover various levels of learning starting with preschool to Form 4 levels. This includes digital textbooks, videos, audio materials, educational games, quizzes, and assignments, ensuring a holistic learning experience.
  • Affordable Pricing: The tablet and digital learning package will be available at a cost of Sh13,000 which is payable in a monthly installment over a year. This pricing model aims to make the tablets accessible to a broader range of students and schools.
  • Child Protection Features: The tablets will feature internet connectivity blocked to non-educational content thereby prioritizing child safety and safeguards. This ensures that students can access educational materials without exposure to inappropriate content.
  • Teacher Support: Educators will have access to a wealth of educational resources from various publishers to enable them to create diverse and engaging learning experiences in the classroom. This support aims to empower teachers in delivering quality education to their students.
  • Revenue-Sharing Model: Content creators who develop educational materials will have the opportunity to monetize their content through a revenue-sharing agreement. This fosters a sustainable ecosystem for educational content development and distribution, benefiting both creators and learners.
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