Safaricom has announced a scheduled 30-minute maintenance for its M-Pesa platform, set to take place on Monday, March 24, from 1:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. During this period, M-Pesa services may experience intermittent disruptions. However, the telecom giant has assured customers that all other services, including calls, data, and SMS, will remain unaffected.
The maintenance is part of Safaricom’s ongoing efforts to enhance its services and meet evolving customer expectations. In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to innovation and delivering a reliable, secure, and superior customer experience. “We are continuously innovating and enhancing our services to connect our customers with endless possibilities,” Safaricom said. The update has been strategically scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize inconvenience, and the company has apologized for any disruptions that may occur, while thanking customers for their continued trust and support.
This year marks a significant milestone for M-Pesa, as it celebrates 18 years since its launch on March 6, 2007. What began as a domestic mobile money platform aimed at providing financial access to unbanked Kenyans has since transformed into a global financial powerhouse. Initially met with skepticism, M-Pesa quickly gained traction due to its ease of use and convenience. Within a month of its launch, it had attracted 19,671 active users, and by November 2007, the number had skyrocketed to over 1 million.
Today, M-Pesa boasts more than 34 million active users and has expanded its services beyond money transfers to include credit, savings, and investment solutions. According to Safaricom’s CEO, the platform has grown into a $1 billion (Sh130 billion) business, playing a pivotal role in Kenya’s financial inclusion journey and extending its reach beyond the country’s borders.
As M-Pesa continues to evolve, Safaricom remains dedicated to improving its services to meet the growing needs of its customers. The scheduled maintenance is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring that M-Pesa remains a reliable and transformative tool for millions of users across the globe.
