Tuesday 06th October, 2026 07:09 AM|
By David Nthua
A well-designed graphic showing how MPESA app looks like. PHOTO/@SafaricomPLC/X
Safaricom has said customers can use the M-Pesa app without consuming their mobile data bundles, provided the application has been properly activated and the required permissions granted.
The clarification came on Monday, October 5, 2026, after X user Tony Olaka questioned a notification displayed on the M-Pesa app stating: “This app will not use any of your data bundles.”
Olaka sought to establish whether the change meant customers would no longer need to buy mobile data bundles when accessing M-Pesa services, including when paying for services such as home internet.
Safaricom explains access
Responding through its customer care account, Safaricom confirmed that use of the M-Pesa app would not consume customers’ data bundles.
“Hi Tony Olaka, thanks for reaching out. It means that the App will not consume Data Bundles,” Safaricom Care said.
A well-designed graphics to illustrate a sim card. PHOTO/@Safaricom_Care/X
Olaka then asked whether this meant he would no longer need to purchase data specifically to access the app when making a Wi-Fi payment.
“What you’re saying is that I will now not need to buy data in order to pay for my WiFi?” he asked.
Safaricom responded in the affirmative but outlined conditions customers need to meet.
“Yes, as long as the app has been activated and all required permissions have been granted, you only need to keep the SIM card in the device,” Safaricom Care said.
“You can then access the app using any internet connection, including Wi-Fi.”
What users need
The clarification means customers using the M-Pesa app should ensure the Safaricom SIM linked to their M-Pesa account remains in the device.
The application must also have been activated and granted the permissions required to operate correctly.
Safaricom’s response indicates that using the app itself will not deduct from a customer’s purchased data bundle balance.
The development could be particularly useful when customers need to access M-Pesa services but do not have an active mobile data bundle.
M-Pesa logo. PHOTO/@SafaricomPLC/X
Olaka, however, used the exchange to raise a separate concern about Safaricom’s network coverage, saying he had experienced connectivity problems at his home for about three years.
“Now work on network connectivity. Every time I get to the house, I know I’m not reachable until the next day when I get out,” he said.
David Nthua
David Njeru Nthua, known professionally as David Nthua, is a Kenyan digital journalist with over six years of experience.
He began his journalism career with Opera News in May 2020 and currently works as a Politics and Breaking News Writer at People Daily Digital.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Mount Kenya University, Main Campus, Thika.
Phone: 0708015379
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Facebook: @davidnthuake | X: @davidnthuake