Safaricom targets Meru farmers with new bundle

Safaricom has launched a new integrated package targeting farmers in Meru County, combining mobile connectivity, insurance, agricultural advisory services, and discounted farm inputs to boost productivity and strengthen food security.

The Bundle Ya Wakulima initiative was unveiled during a farmer engagement forum attended by more than 500 farmers in Meru and enables them to access various services through daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and biannual packages.

Safaricom Group Chief Consumer Business Officer Fawzia Ali said Meru’s importance as an agricultural region made it a key target for initiatives aimed at supporting farmers.

“Meru is one of Kenya’s agricultural powerhouses, and supporting farmers is critical to strengthening food security,” Ali said.

She said the package, offered under Safaricom’s Pata More customer value proposition, would provide farmers with affordable connectivity, insurance, and services designed to support their livelihoods.

Bundle Ya Wakulima provides voice, data, SMS, and WhatsApp access, alongside Tunza Mapato insurance and agricultural advisory services through Seeds of Gold, discounted farm inputs, and mechanization services.

Eligible farmers can also access credit pathways through DigiFarm, enabling them to obtain financial support for their agricultural activities.

The daily package costs Sh40 and provides 250 MB, 20 minutes, and free WhatsApp access.

The weekly package costs Sh300 and provides 1.5GB, 100 minutes, and Tunza Mapato insurance covering Sh30,000 for inpatient treatment and Sh100,000 in funeral expenses. It also includes farm input discounts, Seeds of Gold advisory services, and access to a WhatsApp Farming Companion.

The monthly package costs Sh1,200 and provides 7.5GB and 500 minutes, while the 90-day package costs Sh3,500 and offers 25GB and 1,500 minutes.

The six-month package costs Sh6,500 and provides 56GB and 3,000 minutes.

Farmers can access the Bundle Ya Wakulima by dialling 54416#.

The Meru engagement was the fifth regional event following similar farmer forums held in Kirinyaga, Bomet, Nakuru, and Bungoma.

Safaricom said the packages were developed using insights gathered from farmers, including the importance of voice-based communication in enabling them to share information, consult, and make farming decisions.

The company said the flexible packages would allow farmers to select plans that match their individual needs and farming seasons.