Safaricom Unveils New Privacy Feature for M-PESA Transactions-How it Works

Safaricom has launched a new M-PESA privacy feature aimed at protecting customer data by limiting the personal details shared during transactions.

The feature, based on data minimisation principles, ensures that recipients only see partial details of the sender, including a masked phone number and two names instead of full identification.

Speaking during the launch at Safaricom Headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, CEO Peter Ndegwa said the move is part of the company’s commitment to safeguarding customer trust.

“Millions of Kenyans trust M-PESA every day to build their businesses and support their families. Earning and keeping that trust is central to our purpose of transforming lives. That is why we are constantly strengthening your privacy,” said Ndegwa.

He announced that the feature will go live on March 24, 2026.

“From the 24th, that’s when we are going live. Recipients will only see two names and a masked number. That is really going to be a big milestone for us,” he added.

Safaricom Launches New M-PESA Privacy Feature

According to Sharon Holi, Safaricom’s Head of Customer Privacy, the update is part of a broader data protection journey that began in 2020.

“We have been working to protect customer information across M-PESA services. With this update, when you send money, your full name and phone number will not be fully visible. Only your first and last name will appear, and part of your phone number will be masked,” she explained.

Also Read: Safaricom to Launch New M-PESA Transaction Feature

She noted that the new feature is designed to enhance customer privacy by limiting the amount of personal information shared during transactions, while also reducing the risk of spam calls and unwanted messages.

Holi added that by minimising visible customer data, the feature will help protect users from fraud and social engineering attempts, ultimately strengthening trust in digital transactions.

How the New Feature Works

Under the new system:

• Recipients will see a partially masked phone number (e.g., 0722***000).
• Only two names of the sender will be displayed.
• Transaction details such as amount and date will remain unchanged.

Customers will also have the option to share their full details if necessary.

Recipient Verification Option

Safaricom has introduced a verification feature via code 334, allowing recipients to confirm a sender’s identity:

• Send the transaction message to 334 to request verification.
• The sender receives an SMS asking for consent.
• If approved, full details are shared.
• If declined, the recipient is notified.

Also Read: Steps to Reverse M-PESA Transaction Sent to the Wrong Paybill Number

Safaricom’s Data Minimisation Journey

The rollout builds on previous privacy measures introduced over the years, including:

• 2020: Data minimisation in Pochi la Biashara.
• 2021: Internal staff data protection.
• 2022: M-PESA statement privacy improvements.
• 2023–2024: Buy Goods and Paybill API protection.
• 2026: Send Money (P2P) privacy rollout.

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Dr. Peter Ndegwa(center)(CBS) CEO Safaricom PLC leads a panel discussion alongside Esther Waititu(left) Chief Financial Services Officer and Sharon Holi(right) Head of customer privacy, data protection during the Safaricom Data Minimization Media Immersion held at Michael Joseph Center. PHOTO/Safaricom