Jumia has announced a strategic partnership with Watu Credit, a leading asset financier, to make smartphone ownership more accessible for Kenyans. Through this collaboration, customers will now be able to purchase premium smartphones on Jumia and pay in daily, weekly, or monthly instalments via mobile money. This move eliminates the upfront financial barrier for many, opening up opportunities for more people to access reliable digital devices.
While smartphone penetration in Kenya is currently at around 80 percent, a significant number of users still rely on low-quality devices that limit their digital experience. By enabling access to premium brands such as Samsung, the partnership supports first-time buyers and existing users in upgrading to dependable devices. These devices are vital tools for business growth, online learning, healthcare access, and enhancing social connectivity in today’s digital-first world.
Watu Credit emphasized the importance of affordability and digital access. The company’s technology-driven financing model is powered by IoT-based locking software, ensuring responsible lending practices. Customers make payments conveniently via mobile money, and their devices remain active as long as payments are up to date. Since 2022, Watu has already financed nearly two million devices in Kenya, proving its impact in bridging the affordability gap for digital tools.
Jumia echoed this vision of digital inclusion, with its East Africa Regional CEO, Vinod Goel, noting that smartphones remain among the platform’s top-selling products. By partnering with Watu Credit, Jumia aims to expand access to connected devices, making it easier for Kenyans to engage meaningfully in the digital economy. The company also has plans to streamline the process further, enabling customers to complete the entire financing journey online, from selection to KYC verification and delivery.
The initial rollout will be facilitated by Jumia’s agents, who will assist with the first phase of smartphone financing. In the coming months, the process will transition to a fully digital model, allowing customers to choose smartphones at checkout, submit KYC requirements online, and receive their devices conveniently at home. This phased approach ensures accessibility while building trust and familiarity with the financing process.
Beyond commerce, the initiative represents a milestone for digital inclusion in Kenya. Small business owners, delivery workers, students, and households will now have the opportunity to access reliable technology that directly supports income growth, education, and social connection. By merging Jumia’s digital marketplace with Watu Credit’s financing expertise, the program positions smartphones not just as consumer goods but as tools for empowerment, innovation, and socio-economic progress.
