Kenyans have flooded social media, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), voicing their frustrations towards Safaricom PLC for its plan to temporarily disable M-PESA services for system maintenance.
According to the company’s announcement, the maintenance will take place on Tuesday, 10th September 2024, from 11:00 PM to Wednesday, 11th September 2024, at 3:30 AM, during which all M-PESA services will be unavailable for over four hours.
The planned disruption comes at a time when Safaricom is already under fire for its alleged role in stifling competition and increasing its hold over the Kenyan market. Many Kenyans suspect that the telecom giant is blocking the entry of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet into the country, a move that would provide cheaper internet services.
These suspicions have heightened tensions online, with users accusing Safaricom of maintaining high internet prices and poor service quality.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. Source: Facebook
Moreover, anger against the company intensified following accusations that Safaricom allegedly shut down its internet services on June 25 during the Gen Z demonstrations.
Protesters at the time claimed they were cut off from the internet while bodies were later found dumped in several areas across the country, including Kware Dumpsite in Nairobi. Many Kenyans have not forgotten these incidents, and the planned maintenance has only reopened old wounds.
Social media users have expressed their frustrations arguing that the company has for too long taken advantage of its monopoly, charging exorbitant fees for services that often fail to meet expectations. Calls for cheaper, better alternatives are growing louder, with some even suggesting boycotting Safaricom services until significant changes are made.
Statement from Safaricom PLC. Source: X
All the same, As Safaricom continues to face public backlash, many are questioning the company’s commitment to serving the needs of everyday Kenyans.
The upcoming M-PESA downtime has only added fuel to the growing dissatisfaction, with many people now calling for increased competition in the telecommunications sector.
