How MobiPlan is Unlocking Financial Inclusion
Kenya’s co-operatives especially savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) have long been the heartbeat of grassroots financial empowerment. From enabling smallholder farmers to educate their children, to helping informal traders grow businesses, SACCOs have stood in the gap where traditional banks fall short. But as the world moves into a digital-first economy, these community-based institutions face a critical question: How do we remain relevant to a generation that lives on their smartphones?
The answer lies in reimagining service delivery to meet modern expectations, while retaining the trust that SACCOs have built over decades. This is where MobiPlan, an initiative of Energy Bora Ltd, steps in—offering SACCOs a transformative partnership that blends technology with deep cooperative values.
The $1 Billion Opportunity SACCOs Can’t Afford to Miss
Kenya’s Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) market is now worth an estimated $1 billion. In just five years, leading BNPL smartphone providers have deployed over 5 million devices nationwide. Yet, despite its potential, traditional BNPL models are riddled with challenges:
– High default rates that drain investors and hurt borrowers’ creditworthiness.
– Poor loan tracking systems that leave financiers blind to repayment risks.
– Limited financial literacy among borrowers, leading to unsustainable repayment behavior.
These cracks have led to the near collapse of some prominent BNPL players, exposing just how fragile unsecured digital lending can be.
But SACCOs and other co-operatives are uniquely positioned to do it better. With trusted member relationships and robust community networks, they have the ingredients to lead a safer, smarter BNPL revolution—if paired with the right technology.
Why MobiPlan’s Model Works
At MobiPlan, we’ve re-engineered BNPL to address these pitfalls head-on. Instead of reckless credit extension, we offer SACCOs a secured smartphone financing solution that’s as innovative as it is practical. Here’s how it works:
1. SACCOs handle financing. Members apply for loans through their SACCO as they would for any other product.
2. MobiPlan supplies the smartphones—partnering with top brands like Samsung, Tecno, Infinix, Oppo, and Redmi—all backed by a 1-year warranty and nationwide after-sales support via Carlcare and Samsung service centers.
3. Smart-lock technology secures each device. If payments lapse, the device can be remotely locked, ensuring SACCOs retain control of financed assets.
4. Digital skills and financial literacy training are integrated into every rollout, empowering members to use their devices for mobile banking, e-commerce, education, and more.
This approach protects SACCOs from losses and enables members to access life-changing technology affordably.
Lower Costs. Lower Risk. Higher Impact.
Compared to traditional BNPL providers, MobiPlan’s model delivers clear value:
📱 A smartphone with MobiPlan’s financing in partnership with SACCOs and MFIs is 50% cheaper than rival BNPL models, which charge high daily rates that often push borrowers into distress.
📉 SACCOs partnering with MobiPlan have reported dramatically reduced default rates, thanks to the smart-lock feature and our robust loan tracking system.
🌍 Members gain more than a gadget—they get a gateway to digital services, enabling financial inclusion and economic resilience.
The SACCO Digital Revolution Starts Now
As Kenya’s population grows younger and more digitally connected, SACCOs face a choice: evolve or risk obsolescence. Mobile-first service delivery isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s a necessity. And the cooperative movement, which has always championed community-driven progress, is perfectly placed to lead this charge.
MobiPlan offers a proven path forward. Our partnerships with SACCOs like Yehu Microfinance and FSAs in Eastern Kenya are already transforming lives and strengthening institutions. Together, we can help SACCOs:
✅ Modernize operations with minimal risk.
✅ Deepen member engagement through digital access.
✅ Scale sustainably while staying true to cooperative values.
Let’s unlock your SACCO’s full potential. The future of lending is digital—and with MobiPlan, it’s secure, inclusive, and profitable.
Article by Benjamin Karin, CEO, MobiPlan (Energy Bora Ltd)
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.mobiplan.co.ke | 📱 +254 721 462 595
