Safaricom is set to revolutionize the M-PESA platform with a major upgrade that promises to enhance the user experience for millions of Kenyans. This upgrade, which marks the third major overhaul of the platform since its inception, comes with exciting new features, enhanced performance, and more integration options. With over 26 million users, M-PESA has become a cornerstone of financial services in Kenya, and this upgrade aims to set the stage for the next phase of growth.
The Upgrade: What’s Changing?
Over the next three weeks, Safaricom will implement a significant upgrade to the M-PESA platform, making it the first major upgrade since the platform migrated to Kenya in 2015. The goal is to improve service delivery and open the door for new features that will benefit both customers and partners.
During the upgrade process, there will be service interruptions. M-PESA will be unavailable for a two-hour window on 30th June 2017, from 1:00 A.M. to 3:00 A.M., and again on 5th July 2017, for services like International Money Transfer (IMT), KCB M-PESA, M-Shwari, and M-Kesho. In mid-July, there will be a more extended 12-hour outage as the full changeover to the new platform takes place.
New Features and Benefits for M-PESA Customers
One of the standout features of this upgrade is the introduction of new APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). These APIs will make it easier for third-party partners to integrate with M-PESA, significantly reducing the time required to set up new services, from weeks to just a few days or even hours. This will increase the number of partners offering their services on the enhanced M-PESA platform, providing more value to the M-PESA ecosystem.
Additionally, automation of various M-PESA procedures will be introduced, eliminating the need for customers and merchants to call the customer service center for routine tasks. This streamlined approach will make the platform more user-friendly and efficient, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone involved.
M-PESA’s New Features: What’s in Store?
Following the upgrade, M-Shwari and KCB M-PESA will be integrated directly into the Safaricom App, providing customers with greater accessibility and ease of use. These services have become essential to many Kenyans, offering microloans, savings, and the ability to manage money more effectively.
As Bob Collymore, the CEO of Safaricom, said, “Ten years ago, we began the journey of M-PESA by focusing on our customers’ need to send money home. Since then, we have experienced tremendous growth, and this upgrade will enable us to deliver even more value to our customers and partners.”
The Future of M-PESA: A More Integrated and Robust System
With this upgrade, Safaricom aims to pave the way for M-PESA’s evolution, not just as a payment platform, but as a fully integrated financial ecosystem. The company has plans to continue deploying new features over the coming months, making M-PESA even more indispensable for daily transactions and personal finance management.
For Safaricom, this upgrade is more than just about improving existing services. It’s about expanding the platform’s reach and creating more opportunities for innovation and growth. As the company continues to invest in advanced technologies, M-PESA is set to become even more central to the financial lives of millions of Kenyans.
A New Phase for M-PESA and Safaricom
This major upgrade represents a bold step forward in Safaricom’s mission to transform mobile payments and banking services across Kenya and beyond. By improving customer experience, enabling faster integration for partners, and automating processes, M-PESA is taking significant strides toward becoming the most advanced mobile financial service in the region.
With the rollout of the new platform, M-PESA is not just set to enhance its existing services but also to provide new, innovative solutions that will redefine the future of mobile banking in Kenya.