M-KOPA
Hours after our most recent report exposed growing complaints from M-KOPA customers who claim the company disables devices remotely once payments are completed, another customer has come forward alleging that their phone, which had been in perfect working condition, was inexplicably switched off just two weeks after they cleared their final installment, with suspicions arising that this was done in retaliation for refusing a new loan offer from the company.
Upon reaching out to M-KOPA for assistance, the customer was informed that their phone was no longer under warranty, meaning the company would not take any responsibility for the sudden malfunction, a response that mirrors the frustrations expressed by numerous other users who have accused the firm of deliberately crippling devices after full payments are made, leaving them with no recourse despite having fully honoured their contractual obligations.
This latest complaint adds to the growing outcry from Kenyans who have dealt with M-KOPA’s controversial business model, which initially focused on selling solar home systems to rural households through installment payments, a venture that has since been tainted by allegations that many of the products stopped functioning soon after the warranty expired, forcing customers to either seek costly repairs or abandon the devices altogether despite having spent substantial amounts over time.
“I’ve had a nasty experience with them. The phone I purchased from them went off 2 weeks after I completed payment. They contacted me with another loan product offer, which I declined. I suspect they remotely switched it off. Upon contacting them, they argue that my phone is out of warranty and they cannot help me,” he said.
The source advised Kenyans to be cautious while dealing with Mkopa.
“Let Kenyans be cautious when dealing with this company because they are real predators. When they started operations, they were selling solar system kits, mostly in rural areas. Most of those gadgets barely functioned after their warranty ended and owners completed payments, which were also exorbitant. Let Kenyans boycott and avoid MKOPA like plague.” It added.
The government is yet to comment on the matter amid exploitations
