Safaricom has introduced Shiriki Pay, a new M-PESA feature designed to make it easier for families, businesses and groups to manage shared expenses without the need to transfer money or share sensitive account details.
Available through the M-PESA One App, Shiriki Pay allows an account holder to authorise another person to make payments directly from their M-PESA wallet. The authorised user can pay merchants via Lipa na M-PESA Till Numbers and PayBill Numbers using their own phone, while spending is controlled through limits set by the wallet owner.
The feature addresses a common challenge faced by many households and businesses, where account holders are frequently interrupted to send money for groceries, utility bills or other day-to-day purchases. Instead of repeatedly transferring funds, users can grant controlled access, allowing trusted individuals to complete transactions independently.
Setting up Shiriki Pay involves four simple steps: opening the M-PESA One App, selecting the Shiriki Pay mini app, adding an authorised user and setting a spending limit. The account holder retains full control and can adjust limits or revoke access at any time.
Security remains a key feature of the service. Authorised users cannot withdraw cash, transfer money to other individuals or spend beyond the limits assigned to them. Their access is restricted to merchant payments, helping reduce the risks associated with sharing PINs or sending money multiple times.
The feature also supports transparency, as payments are made directly from the account holder’s wallet, with every transaction reflected in the wallet history. Funds remain in a single M-PESA account and are only deducted when a payment is made to a merchant.
With access to more than 3 million Lipa na M-PESA and Pochi la Biashara merchants across Kenya, Shiriki Pay offers users the flexibility to pay for groceries, household shopping, pharmacy purchases and other everyday expenses at participating businesses nationwide.
By combining convenience, security and user control, Shiriki Pay introduces a practical way for families, employers and businesses to manage shared spending while keeping their M-PESA wallets secure.
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