It is now possible for Kenyans to get electricity when they need it then pay for it later thanks to a new partnership between Safaricom and Kenya Power that launched the new services dubbed Okoa Stima.
With the service, Safaricom subscribers will be able to borrow any amount they require based on a predetermined limit given by their historical relationship with the electricity company.
The loan will attract a 10 per cent fee payable within seven days.
The customers M-PESA account will then be deducted with amount of top plus facility fee so there is no delay.
For M-Pesa users, they will have to register up to 3 meters and tokens purchased. However, the bills paid cannot be used on another meter except the 3 you have registered.
To take advantage of the service Safaricom users will be required to dial *885# from your mobile phone to get the service.
It currently takes 48 hours for payments made to Kenya Power to reflect on the electricity distributor’s systems while those made to the National Hospital Insurance Fund take 76 hours.
Kenya power has a previous relationship with M-PESA where customers pay their bills through M-PESA attracting a transaction fee of Ksh 25.