Five Reasons More Than 900,000 Kenyan Women Have Switched to Pochi la Biashara

More than 900,000 women micro-entrepreneurs across Kenya now use Pochi la Biashara, a mobile-based merchant wallet.

According to a recent report released by Safaricom,  the platform continues to gain traction among women traders.

It addresses long-standing financial challenges such as income loss, weak financial discipline, and limited access to formal financial services.

Women dominate Kenya’s micro and small enterprise sector, especially in informal markets.

However, many still operate without a structured financial system by often mixing personal and business funds, struggling to track transactions, and face risks such as mobile money fraud and payment reversals.

The report shows that Pochi la Biashara bridges these gaps by offering a simple but effective tool tailored to the realities of micro-entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural and peri-urban areas.

Also Read: Pochi la Biashara Records 92% Growth Among Women Entrepreneurs

Reasons Why Kenyan Women Have Switched to Pochi la Biashara

One of the main reasons many women have embraced Pochi la Biashara is because of its non-reversal feature.

Small traders have for years faced the risk of customers reversing payments after receiving goods.

With Pochi, payments cannot be reversed once completed, protecting traders from fraud and giving them greater confidence in accepting digital payments.

The service also offers a separate business wallet, allowing users to keep business and personal money apart.

Before using Pochi, many women mixed household and business funds, making it difficult to track profits and grow their enterprises. By separating the two, traders can better manage their finances and protect their working capital.

Also Read: Safaricom’s Ziidi Trader Wins Fintech of the Year 2026 at African Banker Awards

The platform has also encouraged better saving habits. With a clearer view of their business income, many women are now saving more consistently.

The structure of the wallet discourages impulsive spending and encourages reinvestment, enabling traders to build capital, increase stock, and cushion themselves against financial shocks.

In addition, Pochi la Biashara enables users to track their transactions easily through mini-statements and digital records.

This gives business owners a clearer picture of their cash flow, helping them make informed decisions on pricing, stock management, and future planning.

The platform also opens the door to credit. By creating a digital transaction history, Pochi helps users build a financial footprint that can improve their chances of accessing mobile-based loans.

With better access to working capital, women can expand their businesses, stabilise cash flow, and take advantage of new opportunities.

Wider Economic and Social Impact

Beyond these core benefits, the report highlights broader social and economic impacts.

Women using Pochi la Biashara report increased confidence in managing their businesses and greater control over their finances.

The platform also advances financial inclusion by bringing more women into the digital financial ecosystem.

Many of these users previously relied entirely on cash or informal systems.

In addition, improved financial management creates ripple effects at the household level. Some users report better ability to support their families, pay school fees, and plan for the future.

As mobile money continues to evolve in Kenya, Pochi la Biashara stands out as a targeted innovation that responds directly to the needs of women micro-entrepreneurs.

It is transforming not only how they transact, but also how they grow, save, and secure their livelihoods.

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Over 900,000 Women Now Use Pochi la Biashara as Digital Payments Rise.Photo/ file