Non-Reversible Payments Drive Adoption of Pochi la Biashara Among Small Traders

Protection against fraudulent payment reversals is emerging as one of the biggest drivers behind the rapid adoption of Safaricom’s Pochi la Biashara platform among Kenya’s micro-entrepreneurs, according to a new report by the GSMA, IDinsight and YUX.

The study found that many small traders, particularly women operating informal businesses, are increasingly turning to the platform because of its non-reversal feature, which protects merchants from customers reversing payments after receiving goods or services.

For traders in sectors such as food vending, salons, mitumba sales and small retail shops, researchers noted that payment reversals have long posed a major financial risk, often leading to losses and disputes.

Launched in 2020, Pochi la Biashara allows merchants to receive customer payments through a dedicated M-PESA wallet while keeping business and personal funds separate. The service also offers mini-statements, airtime commissions, savings tools and access to working-capital loans.

According to the report, women entrepreneurs were especially attracted to tools that strengthened trust and security in daily business transactions.

The findings show that active women users of Pochi la Biashara grew by approximately 92 percent between December 2024 and December 2025, surpassing the 78 percent growth recorded among men. Women now account for more than 52 percent of active users, representing over 900,000 merchants nationwide.

Researchers said many women users associated the platform with improved financial discipline and stronger control over business income.

The report indicates that 35.6 percent of new users said they were saving more money after joining the platform, while 24.2 percent reported increased sales.

One trader from Kajiado County interviewed during the study described the impact of the service on her business operations.

“Pochi makes me feel like the CEO of my business. I’m in control, I track my money, and I’m able to support my family.”

The rapid growth in adoption has also delivered strong commercial returns for Safaricom. Pochi la Biashara generated KSh1.68 billion in revenue during the first half of fiscal year 2026, while the number of accounts rose by 72.6 percent year-on-year to approximately 1.5 million.

The study, which surveyed 1,992 women micro-entrepreneurs across Nairobi, Murang’a and Kajiado counties, also highlighted the continued importance of peer referrals and physical onboarding in encouraging adoption of digital financial services.

However, the report noted that safety and privacy concerns remain a challenge for some women traders using digital payments. Safaricom says it has already removed phone numbers from payment notifications and is working on additional privacy protections expected to launch in 2026.