Azuri in bid to share client data with credit reference bureaus

UK-based solar kits firm Azuri Technologies wants to share data on customer habits with credit reference bureaus in a move which, it says, should help boost the financial inclusion of clients.

Speaking in an interview, Azuri Technologies chief executive Simon Bransfield-Gath said the firm was working with credit reference bureaus to share data.

By providing the bureaus with information on customers who diligently pay for services, the firm is hoping to ensure that its clients, some of whom may be outside the formal banking system, have a credit rating score which they can use in future borrowing.

“This creates a virtual cycle which means the consumer gets more access to capital which they can do to finance own projects,” said Mr Bransfield-Garth.

He said the plan is to bridge the financial inclusion gap and the digital divide through use of a relatively affordable technology.

Azuri’s pay- as- you go solar model offers consumers three flexible payment options of 82 weeks, 51 weeks and 25 weeks’ contracts.

The firm has two main offerings namely the PayGo solar 24’ TV and the Quad which is a home-smart kit comprising solar lights, radio and mobile charging.

Customers have the option of paying between Sh31.50 and Sh50 every day through mobile money services over a period of 18 months and 24 months.Azuri, which opened its regional office in Nairobi in March last year, has footprints in 12 sub-Saharan Africa countries including Tanzania, Angola and Nigeria.

It has operated in Kenya since 2011, relying on local agents to supply solar kits. It currently has 130,000 customers across the country.