Safaricom Dismisses Report Fuliza Borrowers Can Clear Loan With Bonga Points: "It's Not Possible"

• Circulated reports indicated that Fuliza overdraft borrowers could settle loans using Bonga points
• The report was published on Business Daily and circulated on the NTV Facebook page and was widely circulated
• Safaricom PLC has refuted these claims, stating that no such measures have been introduced and urged customers to be careful

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, with more than three years of expertise in financial, business, and technology research, provides profound insights into both Kenyan and global economic trends.

On Friday, December 8, some Kenyan news outlets reported that in Safaricom's month-long Christmas campaign, Fuliza overdraft borrowers could settle loans using Bonga points.

TUKO.co.ke investigated to verify the authenticity of this information in line with the media house's commitment to accurate reporting.

Can you pay Fuliza loans using Bonga points?

The initial report by Business Daily highlighted Safaricom's initiative, dubbed 'Sambaza Furaha,' suggesting that Fuliza overdraft borrowers can clear their loans using Bonga points during the festive campaign.

"Borrowers on Safaricom’s Fuliza overdraft facility will be allowed to clear their loans using their loyalty points, popularly known as Bonga points, as part of a month-long Christmas campaign, which the telco says is aimed at sharing the season’s celebrations with its customers," Business Daily noted.

The news was also circulated on the NTV Facebook page captioned:

Bonga points to clear Fuliza loans during festivities in Safaricom offer.

Fact-checking

TUKO.co.ke reached out to Safaricom PLC through social media accounts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for clarification on the reports.

Safaricom PLC has refuted these claims, stating that no such measures have been introduced.

According to the communication received, there is no ongoing campaign allowing Fuliza loan repayments with Bonga points, nor is there an initiative offering the redemption of Bonga points for loan settlement.

TUKO.co.ke urges readers to rely on verified sources and official communications from companies to avoid misinformation and encourage responsible reporting and fact-checking to ensure accurate dissemination of information.

Fuliza loan limit

Recently, Safaricom apologised to customers for their troubles and asked them to forward their personal details for further help after customers complained about their loan limits.

A Facebook user, Nyongesa, complained that his Fuliza loan limit was reduced from KSh 2000 to zero after he paid the outstanding balance.

"My M-shwari loan limit was KSh 2000, but after paying my loan balance, the limit was reduced to , why are you being unfair to me mbona?" Nyongesa asked.