Safaricom has introduced an updated confirmation layer for M-Pesa transactions — a tweak aimed at reducing wrong beneficiary errors. Traditionally, M-Pesa’s Hakikisha feature lets you see the recipient’s name before completing a transfer. Now, for many users sending money through the traditional SIM Toolkit (STK) menu, there’s an extra step: you must re-enter the recipient’s phone number a second time before the transaction goes through.
🛡️ Why the Change?
The idea is simple: mistyped numbers cause grief. Safaricom says people often accidentally send money to the wrong number, which leads to costly and time-consuming reversal requests — something the network wants to cut down on. By forcing users to verify the number twice, the company hopes to drastically reduce those mistakes and make M-Pesa transfers safer.
This extra check acts like a double-lock — similar to the way bank apps sometimes ask you to confirm details before you press “send”. It’s especially useful when entering long phone numbers on tiny keypads. Even though it adds a small step, the goal is better security for everyday transactions.
🤯 Users React
Not everyone is thrilled. Many customers have taken to social platforms to express frustration about having to type the number twice — especially when they feel the existing name display in Hakikisha was already helping. Some users say it slows down what used to be a quick transaction, and question whether it’s necessary when the recipient’s name is already shown.
Others appreciate the extra safety net, especially if they’ve ever sent money to the wrong person and gone through the headache of reversing it. It’s a classic case of security vs convenience — and for now, Safaricom seems to be testing the best balance.
💡 A Gradual Roll-Out
Safaricom’s support teams have hinted that this feature isn’t yet live for all users — it may be part of a pilot rollout and could expand based on feedback and performance. If you don’t see it yet, you might later — or Safaricom might refine the feature first.
📲 What If I Don’t Like It?
Safaricom suggests that customers who find this extra step inconvenient could switch to the M-Pesa app or the mySafaricom app. These app-based transaction methods already include built-in verification features with richer interfaces and fewer manual prompts, making them easier and faster to use.
🔍 What’s Next?
This change reflects a broader trend: improving transaction accuracy and user security without sacrificing too much usability. As M-Pesa continues to evolve — including moves toward app-centric experiences and advanced features like QR payments — these early tests help refine how Safaricom balances simplicity and safety for millions of users.
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