Safaricom Targets Small Traders With Revised M-PESA Limits

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Small businesses using Lipa na M-PESA will be able to process Buy Goods Kadogo payments of up to Sh500, up from Sh200, after Safaricom raised the transaction threshold under its Pata More campaign.

The higher threshold will now allow small businesses to retain more of their earnings as more customers use digital payments. The company launched the campaign in the Rift Valley region as a package of revised connectivity, payment and business services.

The telecommunications company has also doubled the ceiling for free Pochi la Biashara transactions from Sh100 to Sh200 under its Pochi Kadogo service. Charges on transactions above Sh200 will be capped at Sh50 for 90 days.

Pochi la Biashara users will continue to have access to business loans through Taasi Pochi, savings and investment services through Ziidi Pochi, and income-protection products under Tuunza Mapato.

Merchants can also earn commissions of up to 10 per cent by selling airtime. Safaricom said this would give traders an additional source of income alongside their main businesses.

The company is also introducing Scan and Tap to Pay options intended to shorten the checkout process for merchants and their customers.

Pata More includes higher data allocations on selected daily and monthly bundles. Customers buying the Sh20 daily bundle will receive 250MB, up from 150MB, while the Sh99 bundle will offer 1.5GB instead of 1GB. Both bundles will remain valid for 24 hours.

The data allocation on the Sh1,000 monthly bundle will more than double from 10GB to 21.5GB.

“We understand that every choice our customers make matters, whether it is staying connected, sending money, running a business or supporting their families. That is why we continue to listen closely and respond with solutions that offer practical, everyday value. Through PATA MORE, we want to give our customers more from the services they rely on most, and ensure we continue to show up for them with care, simplicity and support when they need us most,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.

Safaricom has also included device-financing offers in the campaign. Customers buying Neon Ultra 2 smartphones will be able to repay Sh55 a day, with the package including device insurance as well as data and voice connectivity.

Drivers and boda boda riders subscribed to Bundle Ya Deree/Boda will receive packages combining connectivity with services used in their work. These include free access to ride-hailing applications and Google Maps, as well as income protection through Tuunza Mapato insurance.

Home fibre customers will receive internet speeds of up to 2.5 times their current rates across Safaricom’s plans. The company said the home packages would also include family-sharing and flexible connectivity options.

Fibre for Business customers will similarly receive faster internet speeds and built-in cyber-security protection. According to Safaricom, the security tools will block harmful websites, prevent risky downloads and flag suspicious activity in real time.

The campaign will bring the services together through Safaricom’s One App, where customers can manage connectivity, view available offers and seek assistance.

Customers will also be able to chat with Safaricom’s Zuri assistant through WhatsApp or One App. Those seeking telephone assistance can dial 100 to speak to the Zuri Voice Bot.

Safaricom specified a 90-day period for the cap on Pochi la Biashara transaction fees above Sh200 but did not state how long the other Pata More offers would remain in effect.