A new partnership launched this week between leading Kenyan e-commerce platform Jumia and asset financing firm Watu Credit aims to revolutionise access to smartphones in Kenya, especially among low- and middle-income earners. Through a Buy-Now-Pay-Later (“BNPL”) scheme called “Lipa Pole Pole”, customers will be able to purchase smartphones on Jumia and pay via instalments daily, weekly or monthly using mobile money services.
The initiative addresses a critical gap: while smartphone penetration in Kenya is estimated at around 80%, many Kenyans use older, low-quality, or unreliable devices. Premium brands such as Samsung will be included, enabling first-time buyers or those seeking to upgrade to access more durable, connected smartphones.
Under the “Lipa Pole Pole” plan, customers selecting a smartphone at checkout on Jumia will be offered financing through Watu Credit. They can choose their payment cadence; daily, weekly or monthly through mobile money. A technology-enabled model with IoT-based locking software ensures the devices remain active only if payments are kept up. This is intended to promote responsible borrowing.
Jumia East Africa’s Regional CEO, Vinod Goel, said the move aligns with Jumia’s mission of expanding access to connected devices and enabling Kenyans to participate fully in the digital economy. He hinted that while the pilot phase will involve in-person agents helping customers with financing, the plan is to roll out fully online access soon. Digital know-your-customer (KYC) processes and doorstep delivery are expected to follow.
“Smartphones are among our top-selling products. By partnering with Watu, we can expand access to connected devices, making it easier for Kenyans to participate in the digital economy. Over time, we aim to make the entire process seamless and fully online,” said Vinod Goel, Jumia’s East Africa Regional CEO.
For Watu Credit, Country Manager Erick Massawe emphasised that access to smartphones is “no longer a luxury, but a necessity.” He added that customers not only gain the device but also build credit history, which may unlock further financial opportunities and inclusion.
“Access to affordable smartphones is no longer a luxury, but a necessity,” said Erick Massawe, Country Manager at Watu Credit. “Our financing model allows customers to pay as they go, while building a credit history and unlocking opportunities to grow their income and digital skills.”
Since 2022, Watu Credit has already financed nearly two million devices in Kenya, according to published figures, indicating that demand for such finance schemes is high. The collaboration with Jumia seeks to scale that impact.
While the scheme shows promise, there are potential hurdles. Ensuring customers understand payment terms, safeguarding against default or misuse, and maintaining device quality are critical. The IoT-based locking software offers one technological solution, but education and consumer protection will be essential to ensure that vulnerable users are not exposed to high costs or penalties.
Moreover, full online rollout will require robust digital infrastructure, reliable mobile money platforms, stable internet connectivity, and strong KYC systems especially in more remote or underserved regions. The scheme’s success will depend on smooth integration between Jumia’s digital marketplace operations, Watu Credit’s financing and risk management, and mobile money providers.
Jumia and Watu Credit plan to phase in the initiative. Initially, agents will help customers through the purchasing and financing process. Over time, direct online access, complete digital KYC, and home delivery will form part of the service. If widely adopted, “Lipa Pole Pole” has the potential to reshape how Kenyans access smartphones, support cross-sectoral growth (health, education, commerce), and narrow digital divides.
As smartphone technology continues to play a central role in life and work, models that reduce upfront cost burdens while maintaining responsible lending practices are likely to gain traction not just in Kenya, but across Africa.
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