Safaricom’s M-PESA Re-Certified by GSMA for Security and Reliability

Safaricom’s M-PESA has been re-certified by the GSM Association, a recognition that underscores the company’s commitment to providing secure, transparent, and reliable financial services.

M-PESA was one of the pioneering mobile money operators to receive this accreditation in 2018 and has consistently maintained its certification.

The GSMA Mobile Money Certification is a global standard aimed at ensuring the safety and robustness of mobile money services. It ensures that certified providers adhere to principles that protect customer funds, safeguard personal data, ensure system security, maintain transparency on fees, and effectively manage customer service issues, including complaints. The certification underscores provision of worry-free M-PESA and emphasizes the importance of combating financial crimes such as money laundering and fraud.

This re-certification not only boosts consumer trust but also facilitates stronger commercial partnerships and sets a benchmark for the mobile money industry. With over 690 million registered accounts globally, mobile money services are significantly contributing to financial inclusion and improving lives worldwide.

Commenting on the organisation’s latest development, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa expressed his pride in M-PESA for its contribution to driving the financial inclusion agenda in Kenya and across the region and providing millions of previously unbanked people access to financial services.

This certification is evidence that we have taken a step further to ensure that customers’ funds are in safe hands, that their rights are being observed through our business practices, and that a high level of customer service can be expected. 

Certification is a sign that our business practices are among the best in the industry, that we are a providing a secure, transparent and reliable mobile money service. That we are a trustworthy and responsible mobile financial service provider, and therefore an attractive candidate for collaboration with innovators and the business community.

Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom

M-PESA continues to play a crucial role in the development of the financial sector in Kenya and has gained popularity globally in the past decade. Today, there are 31.5 million active M-PESA users, processing over KES 40.2 Trillion in transactions annually, as at the end of March 2024.