Safaricom has thrown a lifeline to millions of small traders and M-Pesa users across Kenya by waiving fees on Pochi la Biashara transactions of up to KSh200.
This isn't just a minor tariff tweak; it is a significant move that directly impacts the daily operations of food vendors, kiosk owners, boda boda riders, and secondhand clothes dealers who rely on the service to separate business income from personal funds without the need for formal registration. Under the new promotional period, which runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026, customers making payments to Pochi la Biashara merchants transact for free for amounts up to KSh200, double the previous limit of KSh100.
Beyond the zero-fee threshold, the relief extends further: the maximum charge for larger transactions has been capped at a flat KSh50 for any payment between KSh2,501 and KSh250,000, a notable reduction from the earlier ceiling of KSh108. This means a customer paying KSh10,000 to a Pochi merchant now incurs a KSh50 charge, down from KSh90. For businesses, the changes align with the Central Bank of Kenya's pricing principles on customer-centricity and affordability.
The move comes as households across the country grapple with stubborn inflation, and the relief on digital transaction costs is likely to be welcomed by cash-strapped households.
The Pochi la Biashara service offers key benefits: payments received cannot be reversed without the business owner's approval, giving traders greater control and security, and users can also sell airtime directly from their wallets and earn a 5% commission
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