Internet usage continues to grow in Kenya, partly because of the affordability and easy access through mobile phones and the percentage of households with a mobile phone continues to increase.
Mobile is the platform of choice for digital disruption in Africa and the migration of consumers to mobile broadband and growing levels of smartphone adoption are expected to lead to a further boost in mobile data traffic growth, even as the trend is seen repeated in other regions.
Migration to mobile broadband and growing smartphone adoption is also bringing with it increasing use of data services and with it, a new found digital disruption that has provided technology solutions to everyone, of every social class, every educational disposition and any age.
Different players in the mobile service industry have taken big steps to ensuring that the take-up of mobile services in the region remain, i.e. increasing network coverage across the country, increasing the availability of affordable internet enabled devices, increasing technical literacy especially in rural areas among others.
At the forefront of this disruption is Safaricom, Kenya’s largest Telco that has been considered as the platform of choice for creating, distributing and consuming innovative digital solutions and services across the country.
Since the roll out of its regional strategy two years ago, Safaricom has been closely engaging customers in the regions through various initiatives targeting its various customer segments.
Some of these services that have continued to transform the face of internet connectivity include:
Mambo ni Digital where Safaricom offers customers the right 3G device from anywhere in the country at affordable prices i.e. Customers can get an affordable 3G enabled Android smartphone i.e. the Neon Kicka at 3,499/- or the Tecno S1 at 4,499/-
The use of personalised data bundles with FLEX. FLEX Bundles is the flexible way to browse, call and SMS easily and conveniently with only 1 bundle. FLEX Units also offer you more value every time you send money using M-PESA. Customers can get up to 35% more value with the flexibility to use their FLEX Bundles between data, voice and SMS.
What’s more, for every chargeable M-PESA ‘send money’ transaction, one gets 3 free FLEX Units- meaning one can use the units to make more calls, browse more online or send more SMS’ Customers can purchase FLEX Bundles by dialling *100# or *200# and they can get to choose their FLEX Bundle Plan.
Also, since the onset of the Tunukiwa option launched earlier this year, customers have been able to get offers on SMS, Data and Minutes by dialing *444#.
The Tunukiwa offers are customized, meaning that the offers one gets will be based on his/her usage or “loyalty” and have especially been taken up by the youth due to the personalization of data spending in the span of 24 hours, 48 hours and 7 days. With this option, customers are able to get more value for their data for much less.
Data, which is increasingly becoming an everyday necessity for Kenya’s youth, is also seen a very crucial tool designed to empower them especially in today’s growing socially-active society.
BLAZE is a network for the young aged 26 yrs and below by Safaricom. BLAZE enables the youth to be their ‘Own Boss’ from their mentorship summits to how they spend their time on the internet. Blaze Create Your Own Plan gives the option to decide how much MB data you want, minutes to call and text messages. This plan allows for the youth who cannot afford post-paid services to budget for their expenses that gives them more financial control.
The Blaze Power Hour Bundle is also a new service that Blaze has introduced. The Peak & off peak BLAZE Power Hour bundles cater for your data needs where subscribers can get 150Mb for only 19/= from 10pm-7pm & 50MB for only 19/= from 7pm-10pm valid for 1 hour. One can have multiple subscriptions on the Power Bundle, meaning you can purchase the Power Bundle as many times as you wish during the hour even if the previously purchased bundle hasn’t depleted. All these are available to BLAZE customers on the USSD *555#.
Another important factor that the youth have taken into consideration in internet usage is the ability to control their spending. Through Safaricom’s Data Manager, users can manage how their data is used. How it works is by dialing *544#, customers can choose the option of not being able to surf after their data bundles are over, thus empowering customers to control their airtime usage.
Across Africa as a whole, businesses have plugged into the convenience of the notably increasing internet coverage to grow their businesses; and in order to ensure sustainability in these businesses, there has to be a scale solution to nurture their development. This is where Safaricom Fibre comes in. Safaricom Fibre for Business is fast and affordable internet for small and medium sized businesses that are located in buildings that have Safaricom internet fiber.
Some of the key benefits include the ensured high speed reliable internet connectivity and guaranteed value for your money with the range of packages provided to suite your various business requirements.
Safaricom has continued to put up massive investments that transforms people’s lives with meaningful ventures expected to enable wider access to quality services, more access to mobile services, high network quality, more value for money, more convenient interactions and better customer service.
What’s more is customers who often find it difficult to access the call center due to the huge volume of calls placed with others resorting to calling the Call Centre past midnight just so that they can get through don’t have to anymore thanks to Jichanue.
Jichanue is an improved self-service platform meant to improve customer experience and promote seamless service delivery. This platform seeks to educate customers on how to get most of Safaricom services by themselves thereby eliminating the need for customers to call Customer Care (Line 100) for help. It also seeks to increase Fraud Prevention awareness and drive Safaricom App downloads to encourage usage of the M-PESA feature.
Through Jichanue, customers are able to download My Safaricom App for a better experience with M-PESA, dial *123# for all services and requests on their Safaricom Line and access all Safaricom Shop services at the nearest Care Desks.
With Safaricom at the forefront of digital inclusivity in the region, we are set on our way to deliver the much needed mobile-based solutions that appeal directly to the common mwananchi.
