Looking to save money on shopping, bills, or even fuel? If you’re a Safaricom customer, there’s a loyalty reward you might not be using to its full potential Bonga Points. With Lipa na Bonga, you can use those points like real cash to buy goods and pay for services at thousands of outlets across Kenya.
Whether you’re at Naivas, fueling up at Shell, shopping online, or paying utility bills your Bonga Points now have spending power.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to buy goods using Lipa na Bonga Points, and why it’s one of the smartest ways to stretch your shilling.
What is Lipa Na Bonga?
Lipa Na Bonga is a feature introduced by Safaricom that allows customers to redeem Bonga Points their loyalty points at Lipa na M-PESA Till and Paybill outlets.
In simple terms:
Instead of cash or M-PESA, you can pay with your Bonga Points, just like money.
How to Buy Goods Using Lipa na Bonga Points
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using your points at any participating shop or merchant:
Via USSD Code:
- Dial
*126#on your Safaricom line - Select Lipa na Bonga Points
- Choose Paybill or Till Number (depending on the business)
- Enter the Till/Paybill number of the merchant
- Enter the amount in KES (this will be converted to points)
- Confirm the transaction
- Done! You’ll receive a confirmation SMS
Via MySafaricom App:
- Open the MySafaricom App
- Tap on Bonga Points
- Select Lipa na Bonga
- Enter business details and amount
- Confirm and complete payment
Conversion Rate:
100 Bonga Points ≈ KES 20 (subject to change — confirm current rate via*126#)
Where Can You Use Lipa na Bonga in Kenya?
Thousands of businesses accept Bonga Points payments, including:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Supermarkets | Naivas, Quickmart, Chandarana |
| Fuel Stations | Shell, Total Energies, Rubis |
| Retail & Fashion | Bata, Text Book Centre, Optica |
| Food & Beverage | Java House, Artcaffe, Chicken Inn |
| Utilities | Kenya Power (KPLC), Nairobi Water |
| Online Stores | Masoko.com, Safaricom Shop Online |
| Pharmacies | Goodlife, Haltons |
To find a list of partners, dial *126# > Lipa na Bonga > Where to Use.
Why Use Bonga Points to Pay?
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Saves you cash | You reduce your M-PESA or bank spend |
| Convenient & fast | Works like regular M-PESA — simple and quick |
| Widely accepted | Thousands of merchants across Kenya onboard |
| Rewards frequent Safaricom use | Make your airtime, data, and M-PESA activity count |
Expert Tip:
“If you’ve been piling up Bonga Points without using them, you’re leaving money on the table. Use them to offset daily expenses especially during tough economic times.”
Things to Note
- You need at least 1 Bonga Point to start a transaction
- Not all merchants accept Bonga payments confirm before paying
- You can combine Bonga and M-PESA in one payment by choosing Part Pay (in-app option)
Final Thoughts
Financial smartness is about making the most of what you already have and that includes your Bonga Points. With Lipa na Bonga, you’re not just earning points; you’re gaining real buying power.
So next time you’re out shopping or fueling up, skip the cash and pay with Bonga.
