Safaricom has unveiled a number of new features on the MPESA till number that will see businesses make direct payments to suppliers, pay utility bills, pay employees and send money to customers directly from their till number. The new features come at a crucial moment when most Kenyans are being encouraged to avoid handling cash as a measure to curb the spread of the current pandemic.
Previously, the MPESA till number could not allow seamless customer refunds or using the cash to make important payments without first having to withdraw to an MPESA number. With the new features, business owners will now be able to do more with their MPESA tills, something that was only possible from an MPESA registered number.
I remember once when I overpaid for a product through Mpesa till number and had to request for a refund. The refund had to undergo some unnecessary processes that took two days just to get my money back. It’s therefore a relief knowing that in case a mistake is made, on the customer’s side, business owners can issue a refund instantly without unnecessary steps.
The latest features dubbed “DoMoreWithMPESA”will enhance existing capabilities on the MPESA tills to allow businesses sent money directly from their MPesa till number. The service is available via the Bulk disbursement service (B2C), which is also instrumental in facilitating salary, sacco and dividend payments.
The new features will allow businesses to pay suppliers directly from the till, withdraw cash from an Mpesa agent, withdraw from bank and send money to their personal numbers.
The tool will also enable direct payment of suppliers from the till for goods and payment of utility bills. It will also allow a business person to withdraw cash from an MPesa agent, a bank or to send money to their phone number.
How businesses can transact directly from MPESA Till numbers to pay suppliers, employees or issue customer refunds
- Businesses need to first opt in by dialing *234#
- Then selecting option “2”
- And signing up for MPESA business Till