Safaricom has rolled out Shiriki Pay, a new M-PESA feature that allows one person to safely share their wallet for spending—without sending money or revealing their PIN.
The service is designed for families, small businesses, and households that regularly manage shared expenses.
Below is a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how Shiriki Pay works and how Kenyans can use it.
Step 1: Understand What Shiriki Pay Is
Shiriki Pay allows an M-PESA account holder to authorise another person to pay for goods and services directly from their wallet.
The authorised person cannot withdraw cash, send money to others, or change account settings.
In simple terms: you remain in control, but someone else can pay on your behalf.
Step 2: Who Can Use It
Both parties must be registered Safaricom subscribers with active M-PESA accounts.
The feature is useful for:
Parents paying for children’s daily needs
Employers assigning staff to handle business payments
Couples or families managing shared household expenses
Step 3: Activating Shiriki Pay
The account holder activates Shiriki Pay through:
The M-PESA App, orThe SIM Toolkit (STK) Menu
You select Shiriki Pay, enter the phone number of the person you want to authorise, and confirm the request.
Step 4: Setting Spending Rules
Before approval, the account holder sets clear limits, including:
Maximum amount the authorised user can spend
Duration of access (temporary or ongoing)
This ensures spending stays within agreed boundaries.
Step 5: Approval by the Authorised User
The second person receives a prompt to accept the Shiriki Pay request.
Once accepted, they can begin making payments—strictly within the limits set.
Step 6: How Payments Are Made
The authorised user can pay via:
Lipa na M-PESA (Buy Goods & PayBill)
Pochi la Biashara
The money is deducted directly from the account holder’s wallet, not the authorised user’s balance.
Step 7: Monitoring and Control
Every transaction triggers an instant notification to the account holder.
You can:
Track all spending in real time
Review transaction history
Revoke access immediately if needed
Once revoked, the authorised user can no longer make payments.
Step 8: Charges and Responsibility
Standard M-PESA merchant payment charges apply.
Legally and financially, the account holder remains responsible for all transactions made through Shiriki Pay.
Why Shiriki Pay Matters
Shiriki Pay responds to everyday Kenyan realities—shared family costs, delegated business payments, and the need for convenience without risking fraud.
It reduces constant money transfers while maintaining accountability and security.
Safaricom positions Shiriki Pay as a practical evolution of M-PESA: shared access, controlled spending, and full visibility—all from one wallet.