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Reprieve to mobile money users as treasury sets to chop Mpesa transactions costs

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Users of mobile banking money transfer services have a reason to smile.

This follows recommendations by the National Treasury to reduce transaction costs.

National Treasury Ukur Yatani revealed plans to cut Mpesa transaction charges amidst outcry by Kenyans on high rates charged by the service.

Yatani while addressing the Senate stated that there was an urgent need to make Mpesa less expensive, especially now that the mobile money platform has become part and parcel of their business and daily lives.

“Another source of concern with mobile money stems from the perception by both consumers and small businesses that the rents from digital technology are unfairly accruing to Safaricom Plc,” Yatani said.

He added: “This is in the area of unconscionable/excessive rates and Safaricom being a critical trading partner for SMEs and consumers, we will soon be presenting some proposed amendments to deal with this scenario.”

Largest mobile money service provider

Safaricom is Kenya’s largest mobile money service provider company by market capitalization, surpassing the country’s two other mobile operators, Airtel Kenya and Telkom Kenya.

Previous reports by the treasury show several financial services are interlinked with Mpesa and if the service collapses, there would be widespread disruption to the economy.

Since the inception of Mpesa in 2007, the mobile money transfer service has grown to offer fully-fledged financial services offering loans, savings and merchant payment services.

The fintech service (Mpesa) is Safaricom’s most profitable venture, commanding 98 per cent of the country’s mobile money market share according to a November 2020 report.

The platform also accounts for services to over 51 million customers across Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Lesotho, Ghana and Egypt.

Polycarp Ochieng
Polycarp Ochienghttp://www.lakeregionbulletin.co.ke
A talented multimedia journalist with a passion for storytelling through the lenses of a camera and a pen. I have honed my skills in photography and videography to perfection, capturing stunning visuals that bring stories to life. With an eye for detail and a creative mind, I excel in creating compelling visual content that engages and resonates with audiences. In addition to visual skills, I am an exceptional writer with a talent for crafting features for both print and broadcast media. My writing skills are complemented by my ability to conduct thorough research and write winning proposals.

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