Smart Strategies for a Successful Black Friday 2025 in Kenya

Black Friday 2025 in Kenya is set to kick off officially on Friday, November 28th, but like in previous years, expect deals to start appearing weeks earlier, sometimes even from the beginning of November. Historically, Safaricom has participated by offering incentives like a 5% cashback on Lipa Na M-PESA payments, encouraging shoppers to use mobile money during the sales period. This kind of offer, combined with their Bonga Points program, points to a strong focus on digital transactions and loyalty rewards during the shopping season. Shoppers in Kenya have shown a huge preference for mobile shopping, with 71% of online Black Friday sales in 2024 happening on phones, a trend that’s expected to continue growing.

What people are aiming to buy this year

Kenyans are usually on the lookout for great deals on electronics, mobile phones, and various home appliances during Black Friday. Based on past trends, here are some popular items people will likely be eyeing in 2025, along with estimated price ranges and places to look:

• Smartphones: Expect a wide range of devices from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and potentially even early iPhone 17 deals.
  • Mid-range models (e.g., Samsung Galaxy A series, Xiaomi Redmi series): KES 15,000 – KES 35,000. Look out for deals at Jumia Kenya and Phone Place Kenya.
  • High-end models (e.g., latest iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S series): KES 80,000+. Major discounts are less common, but bundle offers or trade-ins might be available at Phone Place Kenya.
• Smart TVs and Home Entertainment: Televisions are always a hot item, with many brands offering significant price cuts.
  • 32-inch Smart TVs: KES 12,000 – KES 20,000. Check Jumia Kenya for offers.
  • 43-inch Smart TVs and larger: KES 20,000 – KES 45,000+. Retailers like Jumia Kenya will have a range of options.
• Data Bundles and M-PESA Offers: Safaricom’s own deals often revolve around their core services. Expect special data bundles, airtime bonuses, or M-PESA cashback promotions.
  • Safaricom data bundles: Various packages with extra value. Keep an eye on the official Safaricom deals page.
  • M-PESA cashback: Likely tied to specific merchants or payment volumes. Check Safaricom’s M-PESA business page for merchant promotions.
• Laptops and Accessories: Essential for work, study, and entertainment, laptops and related accessories like flash drives and power banks are popular.
  • Entry-level laptops: KES 30,000 – KES 50,000. Look for deals at Jumia Kenya.
  • Power banks (e.g., Oraimo 10000 mAh): KES 1,500 – KES 3,000. Available at Jumia Kenya.
  • Flash drives (e.g., HP 64GB): KES 700 – KES 1,500. Often found on Jumia Kenya.
• Home Appliances: From kitchen gadgets to larger electronics.
  • Small kitchen appliances (e.g., blenders, irons): KES 1,000 – KES 5,000. Check Jumia Kenya.
  • Subwoofers (e.g., Tagwood 2.1 Ch): KES 2,000 – KES 5,000. Also popular on Jumia Kenya.

Maximising your black friday experience and value this year

To get the best out of Black Friday 2025, a bit of planning and smart shopping strategies can go a long way. Given that deals now start much earlier than just the official Black Friday, staying alert from early November is key. Mobile shopping is dominant, so having your favorite retailer apps ready will give you an edge.

How to get better deals

• Start early: Black Friday deals often begin weeks before the actual day. Keep an eye out from early November for “pre-Black Friday” sales.
• Create a wish list: Decide what you want to buy beforehand. This helps you focus and avoid impulse purchases.
• Set a budget: It’s easy to get carried away. Know your spending limits to avoid overspending.
• Compare prices: Don’t just jump at the first deal you see. Use price comparison tools or simply check different retailers online.
• Sign up for newsletters: Many retailers, including Safaricom, Jumia, and Phone Place Kenya, send out early deal alerts to their subscribers.
• Use mobile apps: Retailer apps often offer exclusive mobile-only discounts and early access to deals.
• Leverage M-PESA offers: Safaricom has previously offered cashback for Lipa Na M-PESA payments during Black Friday. Use M-PESA for transactions to benefit from such offers.
• Look for bundle deals: Sometimes buying items together in a bundle can offer greater savings than buying them individually.
• Check return policies: Ensure you understand the return and exchange policies before making a purchase, especially for big-ticket items.
• Be wary of ‘too good to be true’ offers: If a deal seems suspiciously cheap, it might be a scam or a low-quality product.
• Read reviews: Before buying an unfamiliar product, quickly check online reviews from other customers.
• Consider Cyber Monday: If you miss out on Black Friday, Cyber Monday (December 2, 2025) offers another chance for online-focused deals.
• Factor in shipping costs: Especially when ordering from international retailers, remember to account for shipping and potential import duties.
• Use Bonga Points: If Safaricom offers Bonga Points redemption deals, consider using your accumulated points for airtime, shopping, or other services.
• Stay secure: Only shop from reputable websites and ensure your payment information is secure. Look for ‘https’ in the URL and a padlock icon.

For more Black Friday 2025 deals and updates, visit Black Friday Saving.