As Nairobi moves to beat the 17th July, 2015 global digital migration deadline by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Kenya’s Jamii Bora Bank and Pay Television firm StarTimes Media have agreed to offer StarTimes set top boxes on credit.
Set to be a six or nine monthly installment plan, the soft loan facility will be extended to both Jamii Bora Bank existing account holders and non-account holders through a mobile application powered by Rapid Communications Limited to allow Kenyans can now acquire a StarTimes Free To Air set top box from as low as Ksh. 644 for a 9 month installment or Kshs. 932 for a 6 month option. Customers who will prefer to acquire the StarTimes Pay Television decoder will enjoy flexible payment options from Kshs. 387 and 559 in 9 and 6 monthly installments respectively.
Jamii Bora Bank Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Timothy Kabiru said the move is a significant step towards easing the process of acquiring type approved set top boxes that will also see the bank attract new customers as it extends the soft loans to non-account holders as well.
“We are delighted by this partnership which we believe will be instrumental in assisting Kenyans acquire StarTimes set top boxes at ease. These monthly repayments are all inclusive thereby making our offering not only attractive, but also affordable to existing and non-existing account holders,” said Mr. Kabiru.
Interested customers will access the service through a platform provided by Rapid Communications Limited by dialing *858#, select ‘Loan Request’ and register individual details, a confirmation message will then be sent for one to visit any StarTimes Customer Service Centre to claim the set top box. On application and approval, non-existing account holders will open a current account through which they will be required to pass the funds for repayment of the loan.
StarTimes spokesperson Steven Ambitho observed that the company continues to distinguish its commitment to enable the majority if not every household access digital television and will continue to partner with progressive institutions as the company seeks to empower every Kenyan to acquire type approved set top boxes.
“We are keen to make the acquisition of StarTimes set top boxes as effortless as possible through working closely with financial institutions that will extend soft loans, as we enable more Kenyans access digital television. Our flexibility to offer consumers a choice through the Pay Television and Free To Air set top boxes will also go a long way in growing uptake of our premium television offering,” said Mr. Ambitho.
Also present during the launch was Rapid Communications C.E.O Mr. Anwar Majid Hussein who expressed his enthusiasm in the partnership that will see more Kenyans access digital television.
“Rapid Communications is in the fore front of developing mobile applications that provide Kenyans with access to a range of services. The StarTimes mobile loan application service is convenient, eliminates the need to visit a bank or endure long queues for your loan to be approved. Within 48hours, you’ll get a response on your application status,” Said Anwar.
The set top boxes will come enabled with one month free access to the Unique Bouquet that usually retails at Ksh 1,499 per month giving the customers access to over 76+ premium digital television channels.
Applicants will receive a response within 48 hours where upon approval confirmation, will receive a code to submit to StarTimes Customer Care offices along with a KRA Pin certificate, National ID and passport photograph.