Safaricom is set to introduce Shiriki Pay, a new feature on the M-PESA platform that permits account holders to grant another verified M-PESA user limited, controlled authority to make payments directly from their wallet.
Rolled out in late January 2026, this innovation addresses the need for secure delegation of spending in households, families, and small businesses without transferring full control or funds.
The service operates exclusively between two registered and verified M-PESA users: the account holder, who establishes the permissions, and the authorised user, who executes transactions within predefined constraints.
This structure maintains the account holder’s ultimate responsibility for all activity while enabling practical, everyday financial coordination.
How Shiriki Pay Functions and Key Restrictions
Setup requires the account holder to initiate the process via the M-PESA app, SIM Toolkit, or My Safaricom app. The account holder provides the authorised user’s phone number, full name, and contact details, followed by PIN verification to confirm the authorisation.
Once approved, the authorised user gains the ability to perform merchant payments through Lipa na M-PESA (including Buy Goods and Paybill options) and Pochi la Biashara channels, up to the spending limit set by the account holder.
Critical safeguards include:
- Prohibition on cash withdrawals, person-to-person transfers (P2P), or any expenditure exceeding the designated limit.
- Full visibility for the account holder, including transaction history and real-time notifications.
- Immediate revocation capability by the account holder at any time.
- Option for the authorised user to discontinue participation, though completed transactions remain irreversible.
Standard M-PESA transaction charges apply to all payments, and the account holder bears full liability for authorised activities.
Practical Applications and User Benefits
Shiriki Pay supports several common scenarios where controlled sharing enhances financial management:
- Parents allocating allowances or emergency funds to children or students, with defined limits to prevent overspending.
- Employers authorising staff to handle specific business-related purchases, such as supplies or petty cash needs.
- Households coordinating shared expenses, such as utilities or groceries, without repeated transfers.
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The feature delivers transparency through accessible transaction records, security via instant revocation, and control through enforceable spending caps. It reduces reliance on frequent manual transfers while minimising risks associated with sharing PINs or full wallet access.
Security and Accountability Framework
Shiriki Pay upholds M-PESA’s core security principles by ensuring that no funds are transferred out of the wallet; only direct merchant payments are permitted.
The Account Holder retains complete oversight and responsibility, aligning with regulatory standards for digital financial services in Kenya. Revocation is immediate and unilateral, providing robust protection against misuse.
This design encourages trust in delegated access while preserving the integrity of the primary account.
Broader Implications for M-PESA Ecosystem
By introducing Shiriki Pay, Safaricom enhances M-PESA’s versatility as a comprehensive financial management tool.
The feature strengthens its role in supporting family budgeting, small enterprise operations, and shared financial responsibilities, contributing to greater digital inclusion and financial literacy in Kenya.
It represents a thoughtful evolution of mobile money services toward more collaborative yet secure use cases.
Future Outlook
Shiriki Pay represents a significant advancement in M-PESA’s functionality, allowing users to share spending access in a controlled, transparent, and revocable manner without compromising wallet security or ownership.
Through precise limits, real-time visibility, and immediate control mechanisms, the feature addresses real-world needs for delegation while upholding high standards of accountability.
As of January 29, 2026, this addition reinforces Safaricom’s leadership in innovative digital payments tailored to Kenyan users’ daily realities.
For detailed guidance on activation and usage, consult official Safaricom resources or the M-PESA application.
M-PESA Overview
The M-PESA app refers to the mobile money application from Safaricom that lets users access and manage their M-PESA account on Android or iOS devices.
You use M-PESA Login with your registered phone number and M-PESA PIN to open the app after the M-PESA app download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Once logged in, the app lets you send money, pay bills, withdraw cash, buy airtime, view balances and statements, and access financial services like Lipa na M-PESA and Fuliza.
M-PESA Kenya is the Kenyan mobile money service operated by Safaricom, and My M-Pesa is another name often used for the app and portal that consolidates your M-PESA wallets and transactions.
The M-PESA website (e.g., on Safaricom’s official site) provides information about features, how to register, tariffs and tools for users and developers, including APIs and global money transfer options.
M-PESA charges depend on the transaction type (sending money, withdrawing at an agent, paying bills, etc.).
Typical mobile money and agent withdrawal fees apply based on the amount and service used, and detailed tariff tables are published on dedicated M-PESA resource pages.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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