Customers at an M-PESA kiosk. [Photo/kiswahili.tuko.co.ke]
A section of M-PESA agents in Kisumu town are now feeling the pinch of reduced transactions, following National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders’ directive to their supporters to boycott goods and services offered by Safaricom, Brookside dairies and Bidco company.
The directive was given close to two weeks ago, in NASA’s bid to disassociate with companies believed to be friendly to the Jubilee administration.
The effects of the move have now started being experienced, more so by M-PESA agents.
David Onyango operates an M-PESA kiosk in Kibuye, the biggest market in Kisumu. Speaking to Hivisasa.com on Monday, Onyango said he is now living with reduced transactions because most of NASA supporters in the region have obeyed the boycott order.
“We have no customers since most people have joined Airtel network. I may be forced to become an Airtel agent in order not to lose more customers,” he said.
His sentiments we echoed by another female M-PESA agent who did not want to be named. “Business is really down. No deposits, no withdrawals. Those who come only ask for Airtel money,” she said.
A spot check in some super markets in Kisumu revealed that there are no goods on shelves from Bidco Company and Brookside dairies.
Kisumu is one of the counties where NASA leader Raila Odinga enjoys fanatical support and following.