Safaricom replies to graduate requesting loan for a laptop: ‘I Have Online Job Experience’”

Waweru Mureithi, a university graduate, took to social media, asking Safaricom PLC for financial support to buy a laptop, which he said would help him secure online jobs.

Key Highlights:

Graduate seeks laptop help: Waweru Mureithi asked Safaricom for financial support to purchase a laptop to aid in his online job search.
Shared on Safaricom’s Facebook post: Mureithi lamented about the difficulties of finding a job and the lack of food, noting that he has been a loyal Safaricom customer.
Experience in online work: Mureithi claimed he has experience in academic writing and online marketing but lacks the necessary tools, specifically a laptop, to apply for jobs effectively.
Safaricom’s response: Safaricom advised Mureithi to apply for a loan through M-Pesa products like KCB M-PESA, M-Shwari, and Fuliza, or the Hustler Fund.

Graduate’s plea to Safaricom

Mureithi’s plea highlighted the challenges of unemployment many graduates face in Kenya. He posted in the comment section of a Safaricom Facebook post, writing, “Hello Safaricom PLC, kuna vile niko tu down mbaya… sina food na njaa ni mob. Nikipata laptop naweza jisaidia coz niko na experience ya online research writing na marketing.”

His candid message captured the attention of the public, shedding light on the struggles of young people trying to break into the job market.

Safaricom’s advice on financial support

In response, Safaricom acknowledged Mureithi’s request and suggested he explore various loan products they offer, including M-Shwari, Fuliza, and the Hustler Fund. These options would provide him with the opportunity to get the laptop he needs to find and sustain online work.

Background: The struggle of unemployment among graduates

Mureithi’s story resonates with many Kenyan graduates facing high unemployment rates and the lack of tools to compete in the digital job market. Many young professionals are turning to corporations and financial institutions for support as they transition from education to employment.

Recently, Safaricom addressed a similar issue when another customer, Erick Kaberia, raised concerns about his Fuliza loan limit being reduced from KSh 12,000 to zero. Safaricom urged him to keep using M-Pesa services to rebuild his limit.

Mureithi’s story, like Kaberia’s, brings to light the struggles of Kenya’s youth in finding jobs and the essential role technology plays in today’s job market.