MPesa users will be able to send any amount below KSh. 1,000 for free for the next three months, effective 17th March (tomorrow), Safaricom announces.
This follows a meeting between Safaricom and Central Bank of Kenya Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge and other stakeholders to discuss the evolving situation around the coronavirus pandemic. The move comes after president Uhuru Kenyatta directed the industry players to explore ways to deepen mobile money usage and reduce the risk of spreading the virus by physical handling of cash. The president had also directed that mobile money costs be reduced during this period.
In a statement, Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph said to support this, and specifically small and micro business enterprises, the CBK has also increased the number of daily MPesa transaction limits from the current Ksh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000.Kenyans will also be able to transact up to Ksh 300,000 up from the current limit of Ksh 140,000 and hold up to Ksh 300,000 in their Mpesa wallets.
Meanwhile, Safaricom has pledged to work with the government to provide a call centre and to integrate a toll-free line set up by the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus to support Kenyans in understanding how to prevent and manage suspected cases.