Safaricom has clarified why customers who make payments through Pochi la Biashara are unable to view the recipient’s phone number after completing a transaction, citing compliance with data privacy laws.
The telecommunications company said customer contact information is protected under privacy regulations, preventing the disclosure of a merchant’s phone number to individuals who send money through the service.
The clarification followed a query posted on Safaricom’s Facebook page by a customer who wanted to know whether it was possible to retrieve the phone number of a person who had received money via Pochi la Biashara.
Responding to the inquiry, Safaricom stated that the recipient’s number cannot be shared because of data protection requirements governing customers’ personal information.
Privacy rules limit access to merchant details
According to Safaricom, while customers can access transaction records, personal details linked to Pochi la Biashara accounts remain confidential and are not displayed after payments are completed.
The company did not outline any alternative process through which customers can obtain a merchant’s contact number once a transaction has been processed.
The restriction is intended to safeguard users’ personal data and ensure compliance with Kenya’s data privacy regulations.
How Pochi la Biashara works
Pochi la Biashara is a mobile money solution designed for small businesses and informal traders, allowing them to separate business income from personal M-Pesa funds while continuing to use a single mobile number.
The service targets entrepreneurs such as kiosk operators, food vendors, boda boda riders, hawkers and second-hand clothes traders who do not require a till number or a separate SIM card.
Customers can pay merchants through the M-Pesa Super App by selecting the Pochi la Biashara option, via the *334# USSD menu or through the Safaricom SIM Toolkit under Lipa na M-Pesa.
Services available to merchants
Business owners using the platform can access their accounts through the M-Pesa App or USSD and perform a range of transactions, including transferring funds between their Pochi and personal M-Pesa wallets, paying bills, purchasing airtime, checking balances and downloading account statements.
Merchants can also withdraw money through M-Pesa agents, make payments using Buy Goods and Paybill options and purchase subsidised Biashara Smart data bundles directly from their Pochi accounts.
Transfers between Pochi accounts are currently available through the USSD platform.
Transaction limits remain unchanged
Safaricom noted that Pochi la Biashara operates under the same transaction limits as standard M-Pesa services.
Customers can send up to KSh250,000 in a single transaction, with a daily transaction limit of KSh500,000.
The company advised customers and merchants seeking more information about the service to access the “Know More About Pochi” section available through the *334# menu, which provides guidance on account management, available services and frequently asked questions.
Safaricom said the platform continues to provide small businesses with a convenient way to separate business earnings from personal finances while maintaining customer privacy and data protection.
