Safaricom has launched Bundle Ya Wakulima for Kenyan farmers. The initiative was unveiled during a farmer engagement forum in Bungoma. It forms part of the PATA MORE customer value proposition.

Smallholder farmers contribute about 80 per cent of Kenya's food supply. They face persistent challenges around connectivity and financial security. Access to quality inputs remains a major hurdle. The package addresses these issues through an integrated approach.

The bundle operates across three distinct phases. These are connect, protect, and grow. Each phase corresponds to a critical stage in the agricultural cycle.

The connectivity pillar provides tiered voice and data offerings. Farmers also get free WhatsApp access through the package. Subscriptions are available in daily, weekly, and monthly options. Quarterly and biannual plans are also offered. This flexibility aligns with farming seasons and income patterns.

The protection component incorporates insurance coverage. Farmers receive hospitalisation benefits under the package. Funeral cover is also included. This addresses income vulnerability that discourages farm investment.

The growth pillar enables access to discounted farm inputs. Farmers can purchase these through DigiFarm depots. Educational materials are provided through the Seeds of Gold supplement. This is distributed by Nation Media Group every Sunday. A WhatsApp chatbot offers real-time advisory services.

The daily package is priced at Ksh 40. It includes 250MB of data and 20 talk minutes. Free WhatsApp access is also provided. The weekly option costs Ksh 300. This provides 1.5GB of data and 100 minutes. Tuunza Mapato insurance cover is included. Farm-input discounts and Seeds of Gold access are also part of the package.

Monthly, quarterly, and biannual packages offer larger allocations. The 180-day option provides 56GB of data. It also includes 3,000 minutes. This package is priced at Ksh 6,500.

"Bundle Ya Wakulima avails connectivity, protection and growth support in one affordable solution," said Fawzia Ali, Safaricom Chief Consumer Business Officer.

The initiative leverages the DigiFarm platform for service delivery. DigiFarm is Safaricom's agritech subsidiary. Farmers can access it through the *944# USSD code. More than 700,000 farmers have registered on the platform. It operates 18 depots across the country.

DigiFarm functions through two primary arms. Kilimo integrates digital technology and artificial intelligence. It delivers extension services, inputs, and training. Soko is a marketplace connecting farmers to buyers. Cooperatives and processors also use the platform.

The platform provides financial services including cash advances. These are based on produce deliveries through the system. The Jipange Cash Advance facility disbursed Ksh 4.7 million. This went to 840 tea farmers during a pilot programme. The initiative now targets 100,000 farmers by 2026.

The PATA MORE campaign has revised M-PESA transaction tariffs. Pochi la Biashara payments up to Ksh 200 are now free. Fees are capped at Ksh 50 above that threshold. This benefit applies for 90 days.

The campaign reflects Safaricom's broader mission for 2030. The company aims to become Africa's leading purpose-led technology firm. Agriculture is critical to Kenya's economy. The sector contributes nearly one-third of GDP. It employs approximately half the population.

"Making sure that farmers are thriving is critical to our success as Safaricom," said Michael Mutiga, the Chief Business Development and Strategy Officer. "It is also critical to the economic success of the country."