How to Become M-Pesa Agent in Kenya

M-Pesa is a groundbreaking mobile money service in Kenya that has transformed how people handle their finances, becoming a key part of everyday life.

To become an M-Pesa agent in Kenya, you’ll need to meet certain conditions, form a partnership with Safaricom (the company behind M-Pesa), and offer cash services to customers.

This is a profitable business opportunity, especially in places where mobile money services are highly needed.

In the subsequent parts of this article, we will walk you through all that you need to know about becoming M-Pesa agent and the requirements you need to meet.

About M-Pesa

Introduced in 2007 by Safaricom, M-Pesa is a mobile service that has completely changed how people in Kenya manage money. With M-Pesa, users can send and receive money, pay for goods and services, and even access loans and savings directly from their phones.

M-Pesa works as a mobile money system, allowing people to deposit, withdraw, transfer, and save money without needing a traditional bank.

Instead, users create an account linked to their phone number, giving them access to various services like paying bills, saving money, or applying for loans.

Its ease of use and availability have made M-Pesa a crucial financial tool for both individuals and businesses, especially in areas where banks are hard to find.

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M-Pesa Agent is Who?

An M-Pesa agent is a person or business officially approved by Safaricom to help people use M-Pesa services. They act as go-betweens, making it easy for customers to add or withdraw money from their M-Pesa accounts.

Most agents run small shops, kiosks, or stand-alone booths, forming part of the wide M-Pesa network that serves communities.

Becoming an M-Pesa agent is not just a great way to make money, but also a chance to make a difference. You’ll earn commissions from the transactions you handle while offering an essential service that helps more people access financial tools.

M-Pesa Agent Administrator

The M-Pesa agent administrator plays an important role in managing the agent network. They oversee the work of agents to make sure they follow Safaricom’s guidelines and rules.

The administrator is also in charge of training new agents, tracking their performance, and offering help when needed. Acting as a bridge between the agents and Safaricom, they help solve any problems that may come up and ensure everything runs smoothly.

In some cases, the administrator is also responsible for distributing the float (money) to the agents to keep operations running without interruptions.

What does an M-Pesa Agent do?

Agents play a key role in ensuring M-Pesa runs smoothly and customers get the support they need. Hence, the main job of an M-Pesa agent is to handle cash-in and cash-out services, making it easy for customers to manage their money.

Other roles include:

• Cash Deposits: Helping people deposit cash into their M-Pesa accounts.
• Cash Withdrawals: Assisting customers in taking cash out of their M-Pesa wallets.
• Customer Support: Teaching customers how to use M-Pesa, solving simple issues, and following Safaricom’s rules.
• Record Keeping: Tracking all transactions carefully to balance accounts and ensure everything matches up.

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Requirements to Become M-pesa Agent in Kenya

To become an M-Pesa agent in Kenya, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Register your business: Your business must have an official name that is legally registered.
• Choose a good location: Your shop or business should be in a busy area where many people are likely to use M-Pesa services.
• Have enough capital: You’ll need at least Ksh 100,000 per outlet as your working balance, known as the “float,” for handling transactions.
• Prepare necessary documents: Get all the important papers ready, such as your business registration certificate, tax compliance certificate, and any other required licenses.
• Open a business bank account: A business bank account is essential to manage your finances and keep track of transactions.
• Follow Safaricom’s rules: Safaricom has specific guidelines for agents, including safety measures and branding. You’ll need to stick to these rules to run your business smoothly.

M-Pesa Sub Agent Requirements

A sub-agent works with a main M-Pesa agent and helps serve customers in areas where the main agent may not be available. To become an M-Pesa sub-agent, you need to meet a few important requirements.

Here are the key things you need:

• You must register your business officially with the local authorities to ensure it’s recognized and legal.
• You must show that you can handle money responsibly and have a trustworthy record.
• Like a main agent, you need to have a certain amount of money (float) available to carry out transactions.
• Your business should be in a place that’s easy for customers to access.
• Before starting, you’ll need to complete training on how to manage transactions and assist customers effectively.

M-Pesa Agent Registration

Becoming an M-Pesa agent involves a registration process where you apply to Safaricom to become an official agent. To start, you’ll need to fill out an application form and submit it along with important documents, such as your business registration certificate, identification papers, and proof of your business location.

You’ll also have to meet the required float amount and complete a training session provided by Safaricom. Once Safaricom reviews and approves your application, you’ll be given an M-Pesa agent line, and you’ll be ready to offer M-Pesa services to customers at your location.

How much do M-Pesa Agents earn per month?

The amount of money an M-Pesa agent makes in Kenya depends on factors like how many transactions they handle and where their business is located. On average, an M-Pesa agent can earn between Ksh 30,000 and Ksh 100,000 per month.

They earn money through commissions on services like cash deposits, withdrawals, bill payments, mobile airtime, and loans. The more transactions an agent processes, the higher their earnings.

Agents in busy, high-traffic areas often make more money than those in rural locations. However, it’s important to understand that sub-agents get 80% commission, while the agent gets 20% commission sent directly by Safaricom. 

When do M-Pesa Agents get paid?

M-Pesa agents are usually paid every month. However, their earnings depend on how many transactions they handle. The more transactions they complete, the higher their earnings will be.

Safaricom sends the payments to the agent’s business account, and the agent can withdraw the money through their bank or other payment methods.

While the payments are made monthly, agents can check their earnings anytime through the Safaricom system to see how many transactions they’ve processed and get an idea of when they’ll be paid.

How to Become an M-Pesa Agent in Kenya

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become an M-Pesa agent in Kenya.

• Look for areas where there’s a high need for M-Pesa services but not enough agents. This will help you find a good location for your business.
• Make sure your business is officially registered and follows all Kenyan laws.
• Go to Safaricom’s website or visit one of their offices to get the M-Pesa agent application form. Complete the form and submit all the necessary documents.
• You’ll need to deposit a set amount of money (called a float) into your business bank account to start your operations.
• Safaricom will train you on how to handle transactions, follow safety rules, and manage your business. This ensures you’re ready to run the agency.
• Make your business stand out by adding necessary materials like signage, M-Pesa branding, and a dedicated phone for handling transactions.
• Once everything is set up and approved, you can begin offering M-Pesa services to customers in your area.

Benefits of Becoming an M-Pesa Agent

Taking a step to become an M-Pesa Agent comes with its benefits. We will consider some of them below.

• You’ll earn money from every transaction customers complete at your outlet.
• Offering M-Pesa services will draw more people to your shop, which could also increase sales of other items you sell.
• You’ll provide a valuable service by making it easier for people in your area to access financial services.
• As demand increases, you can open more outlets to serve more people and grow your business income.

Can I Start M-Pesa with 30k?

To become an M-Pesa agent, you’ll need an initial amount of money, called a “float,” to handle transactions. The recommended starting float is Ksh 100,000, though it’s possible to begin with Ksh 30,000.

However, starting with a smaller amount might limit how many transactions you can process, especially in busy areas where demand is high. As you carry out more transactions, your float will be topped up.

While starting with a smaller float is possible, having enough money upfront helps ensure your business runs smoothly and that you can serve customers without interruptions.

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Tips for Becoming a Successful MPesa Agent

• Deliver outstanding customer service
• Manage your cash and transactions well
• Expand your services
• Build customer relationships
• Stay updated on Safaricom guidelines
• Secure your business
• Promote your services locally
• Attract customers with special offers

How to Get an M-Pesa Line from Safaricom

To become an M-Pesa agent, you’ll need a special phone line from Safaricom. Getting this line is easy. Simply visit any Safaricom store or agent center and bring along these documents:

• Your National ID or Passport for identification.
• A Business Registration Certificate, if you have a registered business.
• A Tax Compliance Certificate, if your business is registered.

After Safaricom verifies your documents, they will give you a unique SIM card that connects directly to your M-Pesa agent account, enabling you to start offering services.

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List of M-Pesa Agents in Kenya

Here are some M-PESA agents in Kenya:

• Banks: Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), NCBA, Equity Bank, Family Bank, N.I.C Bank, and National Bank of Kenya 
• Supermarkets: Tuskys Supermarkets and Uchumi Supermarkets chain 
• Other agents: Wabcom Technologies, which has a sub-agency system that allows small operators to use their name and incentives 

FAQs

Conclusion

Becoming an M-Pesa agent in Kenya offers a great business opportunity that blends earning potential by helping others access financial services.

By fulfilling the requirements, following Safaricom’s rules, and providing great customer service, you can build a successful business that grows over time.

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References

• m-pesa.africa – Mpesa Agent in Africa
• Kahawatungu.com – How to become a Mpesa agent
• Safaricom – MPESA Agent Requirements

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