Also known as: M-Pesa revenue · Lipa na M-Pesa
M-Pesa — mobile money service operated by Safaricom that created an estimated Sh478.1 billion in social value during financial year 2026.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on M-Pesa
Every mention in the Kenyan press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
The Standard
… "This partnership will support Kenya's ambition to become a leading digital economy and innovation hub in Africa, building on our strong record of innovation, including globally recognised platforms such as M-Pesa that have advanced financial inclusion and digital transformation, …
Kenya, Finland deepen ties with three new cooperation dealsThe Standard
… With this market entry, Kenyan merchants can now seamlessly record both online and offline sales, launch highly responsive online storefronts, communicate with their customers, and conveniently collect payments directly through M-Pesa.“We are extremely excited to be launching in …
West African business management platform Bumpa enters Kenyan marketThe Standard
Senators have raised concerns over the failure to protect consumers who have lost funds through erroneous mobile transfers, such as M-Pesa and other mobile platforms. …
Inside Senators' fight for easy, faster reversal of money sent to wrong recipientThe Standard
… We mastered X and Y, memorised logarithms, periodic tables, and mitochondria with military precision, only to discover adulthood requires more interaction with M-Pesa... …
The burning question: Why Term Two brings school fire chaosCapital News
… Oscar Livondo was arrested by officers from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) based at DCI headquarters after investigators linked him to fraudulent transfers that drained the victim’s M-Pesa account while she was abroad. …
DCI Arrests Suspect in Sh450,500 SIM-Swap M-Pesa Fraud CaseCitizen Digital
… 00 By Roy Ouma June 07, 2026 09:08 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Audio By Vocalize A suspected SIM-swap fraudster has been arrested for allegedly siphoning Ksh.450,500 from an unsuspecting victim's M-Pesa …
Suspected sim-swap fraudster arrested after swindling woman Ksh.450,000The Standard
… Officials plan to launch a digital platform targeting more than 100,000 businesses by 2027 through Posta Kenya and M-Pesa infrastructure, underscoring the scale of the market and competition for entrepreneurs seeking online customers. …
Tech firms rush to put small shops online as market race intensifiesCapital News
… Mudavadi also showcased Kenya’s position as Africa’s “Silicon Savannah,” citing advancements in fintech and mobile innovation, including the success of M-Pesa. …
Mudavadi Calls for Global South Unity as Kenya Pushes for Stronger Global Role in Seoul AddressThe Standard
… The National Treasury is seeking to impose a 16pc VAT on services by payment service providers, including M-Pesa and Airtel Money, a 25pc excise duty on mobile phones and a withholding tax on card payments. …
Digital payments sector pushes back on new levies at Africa Day crypto forumThe Standard
… The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) want proposals such as taxing money transfers through platforms such as M-Pesa and PayPal, and the introduction of a withholding tax on bank card transactions, such as VISA card …
Professional bodies oppose controversial tax proposalsSafaricom PLC posted net profit of Ksh.58.2 billion for the first half of 2026/2027, driven by growth in its Kenyan business, rising M-Pesa revenues exceeding Ksh.100 billion, and improved performance in Ethiopia. Group service revenue grew 13.1 per cent to Ksh.226.1 billion.
11 hours ago · Citizen Digital →
Safaricom PLC posted net profit of Ksh.58.2 billion for the first half of 2026/2027, driven by growth in its Kenyan business, rising M-Pesa revenues exceeding Ksh.100 billion, and improved performance in Ethiopia. Group service revenue grew 13.1 per cent to Ksh.226.1 billion.
11 hours ago · Citizen Digital →
An opinion piece argues that data has become a defining resource of the 21st century, raising questions about who owns citizens' digital lives and calling for digital justice dividends to ensure ordinary people benefit from the value of their data.
4 November 2026 · The Standard →
An opinion piece argues that seven in ten Kenyans research brands on social media before buying, yet most corporate pages operate as noticeboards rather than engaging platforms. The writer notes that organic online activism—exemplified by Kenyans on X responding to a US host's comment about their city—demonstrates the power of real-time community engagement that companies are failing to harness.
30 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Safaricom reported creating Sh1.247 trillion in societal value during financial year 2026 through its operations, digital and financial services, infrastructure investment, and community support. The telco dismissed 118 employees in fraud cases, planted over 600,000 trees, and its M-Pesa service created an estimated Sh478.1 billion in social value.
28 October 2026 · The Standard →
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressing Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, called on Kenya and Ethiopia to transform their athletics competition into a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration through cooperation in infrastructure, energy, trade, and technology.
20 October 2026 · The Standard →
Financial experts propose stablecoins and decentralized finance as solutions to slow, fragmented cross-border payment systems that constrain diaspora remittances, SMEs, and other users who already benefit from Kenya's mobile money networks domestically.
19 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Safaricom, through M-PESA, has committed Ksh 2 million to the 2026 Safari 7s tournament taking place October 9–11 at Nyayo National Stadium. The support will enhance connectivity at the venue and enable live broadcast of the tournament.
7 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Safaricom, in partnership with GulfCap Investment Bank, has unveiled Ziidi Shari'ah Money Market Fund, which was approved by the Capital Markets Authority in February 2025. The CMA is developing an overarching governance policy to guide Shari'ah-compliant investment products as Kenya sees growing interest in faith-based financial instruments.
6 October 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya's Public Petitions Committee has received a petition alleging that Safaricom deactivates SIM cards after six months of inactivity and reassigns the numbers to new subscribers without adequate notice, raising concerns about access to financial transactions and mobile money accounts, particularly for deceased subscribers' beneficiaries.
3 October 2026 · Capital News →
According to Mastercard's 2026 SME Confidence Index, 66% of Kenyan small and medium-sized enterprises are confident about their business outlook, with 70% expecting revenue growth over the next 12 months. Already, 95% of Kenyan SMEs accept mobile payments, which account for 41% of transaction volume, and 39% accept online payments.
28 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
An opinion piece argues that Kenya should learn from Meta's $18 billion settlement with US states over child safety on Facebook and Instagram, noting that Kenyan children deserve the same protections as American children despite existing data protection laws.
24 September 2026 · The Standard →
East Africa has made progress connecting people to digital payments, but as more commerce moves online, trust and security are becoming the deciding factors for whether people and businesses participate in transactions. According to Mastercard's 2026 SME Confidence Index, 95% of Kenyan SMEs accept mobile payments and 39% accept online payments.
23 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Central Bank has proposed draft rules requiring banks and digital payment providers to share customer data with licensed third parties for open banking purposes, with secure data-sharing systems and customer consent required. The CBK says the measure will promote market development, fair competition, and transparency in the national payment system.
23 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Stablecoin settlement firm Minisend is expanding into Kenya to connect cryptocurrency-based payments with the country's mobile-money and digital payments infrastructure. The company has been named official payment partner for the Africa Blockchain Festival 2026, and its platform enables users to receive stablecoins such as USDC and USDT and settle funds through local financial channels including M-Pesa.
21 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
President William Ruto is attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York to promote Kenya's investment agenda across energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture and technology. The government is pushing the proposed Sh2.2 trillion East Africa Refinery in Lamu, expected to create more than 60,000 jobs, with a planned groundbreaking set for September 30, 2026.
20 September 2026 · Capital News →
President William Ruto has departed for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he will champion increased investment in Africa, artificial intelligence, and reforms to the global financial system. He is expected to advocate for an "Africa-financing-Africa" approach leveraging the continent's over $4 trillion in domestic savings and assets to finance development.
19 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Police in Garissa arrested Edwin Mugoi, accused of posing as a Safaricom agent to trick an M-Pesa shop attendant into surrendering a mobile line, which he then used to fraudulently transfer funds. Officers recovered multiple SIM cards, mobile phones, and registration gadgets suspected to have been used in the fraud scheme targeting M-Pesa agents in the area.
18 September 2026 · Capital News →
Live sports remain valuable assets for sustainable media globally. Kenyan broadcasters can use sports streaming to extend traditional TV and radio reach while developing new audience engagement and revenue models through mobile-centric consumption.
17 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Two fourth-year university students charged with ten counts including conspiracy to commit a felony, possession and downloading of child pornography, and publication of child pornography have been denied bail by an Eldoret Court. Principal Magistrate Caroline Wattimah ruled against their release, citing concerns raised by the prosecution about the seriousness of the charges and their impact.
17 September 2026 · The Standard →
Samsung Electronics East Africa is promoting its Galaxy AI suite as a tool designed for content creators, students, and young professionals. The features include Circle to Search with Google, which allows users to identify and source items from social media by circling them on screen.
16 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Law Society of Kenya has vowed to oppose a proposal by the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority requiring lawyers to declare assets held on behalf of clients for more than five years and surrender them to the State if unclaimed. LSK President Charles Kanjama said lawyers have their own ways of managing client assets and do not need external assistance.
10 September 2026 · The Standard →
Three men aged 17 and 21 were arrested in Ruai for operating an anonymous TikTok page to lure women to secluded areas for robbery and sexual assault. The suspects forced some victims to transfer money via M-Pesa and robbed others of mobile phones and valuables.
9 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Members of Parliament have called for an investigation into Safaricom's practice of deactivating dormant SIM cards and reassigning the numbers to other subscribers, citing concerns that the practice could expose customers to fraud, loss of funds, and unauthorized access to personal information. The petition, referred to the Public Petitions Committee, will examine whether the practice complies with consumer protection, data privacy, and financial asset management laws.
26 August 2026 · Capital News →
India is Kenya's third largest trading partner with bilateral trade of $4.31 billion in the financial year 2025-26, according to the India High Commission to Kenya. The article argues Kenya has not fully leveraged Indian proximity and economic power as a potential key trade and investment partner.
25 August 2026 · The Standard →
Global ticketing company Ticketmaster is entering East Africa through its Quicket platform, which offers digital ticketing, local payment integrations with M-Pesa, MTN Mobile Money, and Airtel Money, and global event distribution across Spotify, Google, Meta, Bandsintown, and Apple Music.
21 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Major technology companies including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta are spending approximately Sh94 trillion on AI infrastructure this year alone, though only 39 per cent of organisations report measurable financial impact from AI investments, according to a McKinsey 2025 survey.
19 August 2026 · The Standard →
Safaricom PLC held a Pata More campaign event at Nakuru Railway Station Grounds to promote new services and offers to its more than 71.6 million customers in Kenya. CEO Peter Ndegwa said the nationwide campaign aims to deliver greater value through telecommunications and financial services, with a caravan expected to cover all 47 counties.
11 August 2026 · Capital News →
Web3 adoption in Africa is driven by practical financial benefits rather than cryptocurrency enthusiasm: faster, cheaper payments for remittances, farm supplies, and land ownership without middlemen. Sub-Saharan Africa received over $205 billion in on-chain value between July 2024 and June 2025, with Nigeria leading at $92.1 billion.
10 August 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya has pioneered digital innovation in Africa through M-Pesa, smartphones, digital banking and online government services, transforming how people learn, work, communicate and conduct business, though the article suggests these advances carry hidden social costs.
9 August 2026 · The Standard →
Pepeta has introduced a new Airtel Money Paybill Number (779900) for Kenyan players to deposit funds into their accounts, complementing its existing M-PESA payment option and providing a faster, more convenient deposit experience.
7 August 2026 · The Standard →