Foreign nationals visiting or living in Kenya can register a Safaricom mobile line to access M-Pesa services and transact through the mobile money platform.
The registration process follows Kenya’s telecommunications subscriber registration requirements for foreign nationals who want to access the services in Kenya.
Telecommunications operators and authorized registration agents are required under the regulations to verify the information provided by subscribers before completing registration.
According to the Kenya Information and Communications (Registration of Telecommunications Services Subscriber) Regulations, 2025, a foreigner seeking to register a telecommunications service must have the proper documentation.
“A telecommunications operator or registration agent shall, before registration of a subscriber, seek the production of original identification documents which include, for a foreigner, a valid Passport or Foreign National Registration Certificate,” the Regulations state.
Safaricom’s M-Pesa registration requirements similarly recognize a valid foreign passport and an Alien ID or Foreigner Certificate as identification documents for foreign nationals.
During the registration process, the customers are required to present the original identification document at an M-Pesa agent, Safaricom Retail Center, or Safaricom Care Desk.
After the agent verifies the identification details, the line is registered in the customer’s name and activated for use.
Where the customer is also registering for M-Pesa, Safaricom provides for the two services to be registered together.
Also Read: M-PESA Short-Term Paybill Explained: Requirements and How to Apply for a Fundraising Paybill Number
How Foreigners Access M-Pesa
Foreign nationals can activate an M-Pesa account, set up the required security credentials when registering a Safaricom line, and make transactions on the platform.
Additionally, foreign visitors can use their M-Pesa account for payments instead of cash or international bank cards.
However, the amount you can hold or transfer is subject to Safaricom’s transaction limits: a maximum of KSh250,000 per transaction and KSh500,000 per day.
The charges applicable to a transaction depend on the type and amount of the transaction. Payments made to merchants, transfers, and withdrawals have different charges.
Foreign nationals should also be aware that registering a mobile line does not automatically mean every international financial service will be available through the number.
Foreigners are advised to note that services, including international transfers, card-linked payments, and other M-Pesa products, have their own eligibility and verification requirements.
Also Read: Safaricom Lists Factors That Determine Customers’ M-Shwari Loan Limit
Activation of M-Pesa Services Process
Once successfully registered and enrolled for M-Pesa, customers can activate and access the service through their mobile phone.
Registered customers receive a Start Key used to activate the M-Pesa account after acknowledging the service terms and conditions.
“I hereby acknowledge that I shall be registered for the M-PESA Services and shall receive a Start Key for activation of my account. I further understand that I may opt out of the services at any time by written notification to Safaricom. I acknowledge that my use of the M-PESA Service is subject to the M-PESA Customer Terms and Conditions, which I have reviewed. I acknowledge that this Customer Acceptance for M-PESA Registration, together with the M-PESA Customer Terms and Conditions, constitutes a binding agreement between me, Safaricom Limited, and the M-PESA Holding Company Limited,” customer acceptance requirement for M-PESA registration notes.
Upon activation, the customer is then prompted to enter a PIN, and after confirming the PIN, the M-Pesa activation is complete, and the user can access services by dialing *334#.
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