M-pesa crosses a big mark in kenya

M-Pesa Crosses Sh100 Billion Mark as Mobile Money Transforms Kenya's Economy
M-Pesa has become much more than a service for sending money. It is now one of Kenya's biggest financial technology businesses, helping millions of people pay bills, run businesses and access financial services. Its latest financial performance shows just how important mobile money has become to the country's economy.

According to Safaricom's latest half-year results, M-Pesa generated Sh100.1 billion in revenue during the six months ending September 2026. This represents a 13.6 per cent increase compared with the Sh88.1 billion recorded during the same period last year.
The milestone comes as Safaricom Group reported a 35.9 per cent increase in net income, reaching Sh58.2 billion. The results highlight the growing contribution of digital financial services to the company's overall performance.
But the numbers tell a bigger story than just business profits.
During the six-month period, M-Pesa processed 27.4 billion transactions, representing a 25.2 per cent increase. The total value of these transactions reached Sh23.6 trillion. In simple terms, millions of Kenyans are increasingly relying on their phones to move money and make everyday payments.

Why mobile money keeps growing

One of the biggest reasons behind M-Pesa's growth is convenience. People no longer need to travel long distances or queue at a bank to send money, pay for goods or settle bills. A mobile phone has become a financial tool that many people can carry everywhere.

Small businesses have also benefited from this shift. From local shops and food vendors to transport operators and online sellers, mobile payments make it easier to receive money and serve customers.

Services such as Lipa na M-Pesa and Pochi la Biashara have helped bring more small businesses into the digital economy. Customers can pay directly from their phones, while business owners can receive payments without handling as much physical cash.

M-Pesa is also expanding beyond traditional transfers. Its financial services revenue increased by 55.3 per cent to Sh7.1 billion, showing that lending, savings and other financial products are becoming increasingly important to the business.

Interestingly, Safaricom reported that 53 per cent of M-Pesa transactions remained free or zero-rated during the reporting period. This shows that the platform continues to handle a large number of transactions without charging customers.

What this means for Africa

Kenya's experience offers an important example for the rest of Africa. In many parts of the continent, access to traditional banking services remains limited, particularly in rural communities. Mobile money provides an alternative way for people to participate in the financial system.

The success of M-Pesa demonstrates that financial services do not always need to begin with a physical bank branch. With mobile connectivity, suitable technology and accessible payment systems, people can send, receive and manage money using their phones.

It also creates opportunities for businesses. Digital payments can make transactions faster, improve record-keeping and help small enterprises reach more customers.

However, continued growth also brings responsibilities. Providers must maintain reliable networks, protect customers from fraud and ensure that transaction charges remain affordable. Digital financial services must also remain accessible to people who have limited internet access or are unfamiliar with smartphone technology.

A changing financial landscape

M-Pesa crossing the Sh100 billion revenue mark is more than a financial achievement for Safaricom. It reflects a major change in how people and businesses exchange money.

As digital payments continue to expand, mobile money is likely to play an even bigger role in Africa's economic future. For ordinary Kenyans, the biggest measure of success will not simply be how much revenue the platform generates, but how effectively it makes everyday financial activities easier, safer and more affordable.

The future of money in Africa is increasingly mobile, and Kenya is already showing what that future can look like.

Sources

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-11-06-m-pesa-transfers-push-safaricom-h1-profits-to-sh582bn

https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/safaricom-group-net-income-rises-35-9-per-cent-to-sh58-2-billion-in-half-year-results/