Some Safaricom customers have recently received unexpected payments through M-PESA Archived Funds, with some questioning the source of the money.
The refunds, which have ranged from small amounts to thousands of shillings, are linked to balances left behind in old inactive M-PESA accounts.
Safaricom has clarified that the payments are not a sign that customers’ current lines are being locked or suspended but rather refunds of money that remained in previous mobile numbers registered under their identification details.
Safaricom Explains Money from Old Inactive Lines
Blessed Morgan, a Safaricom Customer, took to social media seeking answers after receiving SMS notifications informing them that they had received funds from their old inactive numbers.
The customer shared a screenshot showing an M-PESA message that they received KSh25 from their old inactive number through M-PESA Archived Funds on 23/07/2026.
Also Read: Safaricom Hit by Another Executive Resignation in Quick Succession
Safaricom explained that the funds originated from previous lines registered under the same customer’s ID but no longer in use.
“Hello Blessedmorgaan, this was money sent to you from a previous line registered under you however, you stopped using the line,” explained Safaricom.
According to Safaricom, customers receiving the refunds previously owned or were registered users of phone numbers that became inactive after prolonged periods without usage. The remaining M-PESA balances on those accounts were retained as archived funds before being returned to the rightful owners.
Recycled SIM Cards Behind M-PESA Archived Funds Refunds
Safaricom further clarified that the refunds are connected to old numbers that were eventually recycled and assigned to other customers after becoming inactive.
The same customer asked whether receiving the refund meant that their old line was about to be locked, but the telco dismissed the concern.
“Hi Blessedmorgaan, not really. That is money that was in one of your old lines under your ID that was recycled/sold to another customer, and we are now refunding you that amount,” Safaricom responded.
In its response, Safaricom said phone numbers that remain unused for a prolonged period can be recycled and issued to new subscribers, but any remaining balances associated with the owner’s M-PESA account are handled separately.
The refunded amounts are credited directly to customers’ active M-PESA accounts, allowing them to access funds they may have forgotten about.
The payments appear with a notification indicating that the money has been transferred from “M-PESA Archived Funds,” alongside details of the amount received and the customer’s updated balance.
While some customers have reported receiving only a few shillings, others have indicated receiving higher amounts depending on the balances that remained in their previous M-PESA accounts.
Also Read: How to Repay Your Hustler Fund Loan Using Safaricom Bonga Points: Step-by-Step Guide
Safaricom Explains Why It Is No Longer Issuing New 07 Phone Numbers
Safaricom has explained why customers purchasing new SIM cards are now being assigned phone numbers beginning with 01 instead of the traditional 07 prefix.
The clarification came after a customer on X questioned the change, asking why the company no longer allows customers to choose their preferred numbers and instead assigns random numbers starting with 01.
Responding to the inquiry, Safaricom said all available 07-prefixed mobile numbers have already been fully allocated, making it impossible to issue new SIM cards with those prefixes.
The telecommunications company added that customers who want a specific or memorable phone number can still obtain one through its Golden Numbers service.
According to the company, the service allows customers to choose a preferred number combination, subject to availability and the applicable pricing.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
