Keeping costs under control can make a big difference for small businesses. Safaricom’s Pata More Popote Ulipo campaign introduces additional value across services that many businesses already use. These include Pochi la Biashara and Lipa na M-PESA.

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If you have a small business, here are five ways the changes could you. 

Safaricom has doubled the threshold for free transactions from KES 100 to KES 200. On the other hand, transactions above KES 200 will also have fees capped at KES 50 until 31 October 2026. This means the cost of transactions for your customers is lowered and this may encourage them to complete more transactions. 

Pochi la Biashara makes it possible for small traders to separate their business funds from their personal money. Mixing cash flow can affect your business operations. Separating personal and business funds can help you better understand how much your business is actually making and not confuse that with your personal funds. 

Pochi is also expanding beyond payments. This makes it easier for eligible merchants to have access to Taasi Pochi business credit and also have the option to save and invest through Ziidi Pochi. 

In addition to these, businesses are able to access Tuunza Mapato insurance, business voice and data bundles through Ofa ya Pochi. They can also earn up to 5% commission by selling airtime.

Safaricom has also raised the Buy Goods Kadogo threshold from KES 200 to KES 500.

This is great for merchants that handle smaller purchases as more transactions may fall within the Kadogo pricing structure. This may help businesses earn more by the end of the day and even keep more of what they earn. 

There are now additional payment options including Scan to Pay and Tap to Pay. Customers at participating outlets can use these options to complete payments simply by scanning a QR code or tapping their phone.

This reduces the friction at checkout and can make digital payments more convenient for both the business and its customers and this may increase the transaction volumes.

Pata More adds value to services businesses already use. Some of the tariff changes are promotional and available for a limited time. That said, the wider Pochi la Biashara and Lipa na M-PESA ecosystem gives merchants access to tools covering payments, cash-flow management, savings, credit, insurance and connectivity.

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