Safaricom, the leading telecommunications company in Kenya, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking payment option called 'Lipa na Data.'
This new service enables Safaricom's millions of customers to utilize their Internet data balances to pay for goods and services, in a move aimed at reducing related liabilities.
With 'Lipa na Data,' users who possess a data balance of 5GB or more can make payments at various shopping outlets using Paybill or till numbers simply by dialling 54434#.
This service is available to both Safaricom post-pay customers with a data balance of 5GB and above, as well as prepaid customers with 'no expiry' bundles exceeding 5GB.
The introduction of 'Lipa na Data' follows Safaricom's ongoing campaign to enhance the redemption of its highly popular loyalty program, known as Bonga Points.
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The company aims to unlock the substantial revenue associated with these loyalty points, which runs into billions of Kenyan shillings.
Upon dialling the payment request code, users are presented with the bill amount in Kenyan shillings, displayed in its data bundle equivalent.
The system then prompts the user to either agree or decline to proceed with the payment. For instance, a bill of Sh500 is equivalent to 7,692.21MBs (7.7GB), while Sh2,000 translates to 30,769.23MBs (30.8GB).
The prompt displayed during a payment attempt states, "You can make a payment of Sh500 with 7,692.21MBs. Proceed to pay: 1: Yes 2: No 0: Back." This intuitive interface simplifies the payment process and enhances user experience.
However, if a user's data balance falls below the required 5GB, they will receive a notification informing them that they are not eligible for the 'Lipa na Data' service.
The introduction of this service expands Safaricom's existing payment plans offered through its M-Pesa e-wallet.
These plans include direct payments from users' deposits and the Fuliza overdraft service, which enables customers without sufficient deposits to cover their purchasing bills.
Additionally, Safaricom operates the 'Lipa na Bonga' service, allowing users to redeem their loyalty points and use them to settle cash bills.
With 'Lipa na Data,' Safaricom continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of its customers, providing them with convenient and flexible payment options.
This service not only leverages the existing data balances of customers but also empowers them to embrace digital transactions seamlessly.
As Safaricom expands its range of services, the company is undoubtedly solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the telecommunications industry, with a keen focus on customer satisfaction and financial inclusivity.
