Updated 3 November 2026
Quick answer: to claim M-Pesa money left by someone who has died, the next of kin or legal representative goes to a Safaricom retail centre with a filled Safaricom next of kin claims form, the death certificate, their own original ID and supporting documents that depend on the amount. Up to KSh 30,000, an affidavit plus a chief’s letter is enough; up to KSh 200,000 you need a letter from a Deputy County Commissioner or County Commissioner, the Public Trustee or a court grant; above KSh 200,000 you need Letters of Administration or a Grant of Probate. Safaricom pays the balance only into a registered M-Pesa account.
This guide follows Safaricom’s published Next of Kin Claim rules (page last updated 27 March 2024, read 25 October 2026), explains each document, and covers M-Shwari, KCB M-Pesa and the deceased’s phone line.
What Happens to M-Pesa When Someone Dies
Safaricom says that once it is notified of a subscriber’s death, the M-Pesa account is frozen to stop further transactions and protect the estate. The money stays there until a claimant proves who they are and their right to it. Report the death to Safaricom early, especially if the phone is lost or in someone else’s hands.
Documents Needed by Amount
| M-Pesa balance | Documents Safaricom asks for |
|---|---|
| KSh 1 to KSh 30,000 | Filled next of kin claims form; death certificate; claimant’s original ID (national ID, alien ID, valid passport or military ID); plus ONE of: an affidavit identifying the claimant with a letter from the chief or assistant chief, a letter from the Deputy County Commissioner or County Commissioner, a letter from the Public Trustee, or Letters of Administration or Grant of Probate |
| Up to KSh 200,000 | Filled claims form; death certificate; claimant’s original ID; plus a letter from the Deputy County Commissioner or County Commissioner, OR the Public Trustee, OR Letters of Administration or Grant of Probate |
| Above KSh 200,000 | Filled claims form; death certificate; claimant’s original ID; Letters of Administration or Grant of Probate |
Source line: Safaricom, M-Pesa Legal, Next of Kin Claim page. Safaricom inspects and approves the documents before releasing funds.
What Each Document Is
- Death certificate: the government document proving the death. Apply through the civil registration office or eCitizen if you do not have one.
- Statutory declaration (affidavit): a sworn statement, witnessed by an advocate who is a commissioner for oaths, setting out your relationship to the deceased.
- Letter from the administration: Safaricom describes this as a letter from the chief or a commissioner confirming the deceased’s full names, home area and ALL the beneficiaries of the estate.
- Grant of Letters of Administration: issued by a probate court when there is no will, naming who may manage the estate.
- Grant of Probate: issued to the executor named in a will.
- Confirmation of grant: a later court document naming the beneficiaries and their shares.
For larger balances you will need to go through succession. Our guide on how to file succession in Kenya explains the steps, forms and timelines.
Step by Step
- Notify Safaricom of the death so the account is frozen.
- Ask which documents apply when you report, since the list depends on the balance.
- Collect the documents for that tier, including the death certificate and your original ID.
- Get the claims form at a Safaricom retail centre and fill it in.
- Visit a Safaricom retail centre with all originals for inspection.
- Give a registered M-Pesa number for the payout. Safaricom says it does not pay out in any other form.
- Wait for approval. Funds are transferred once all documents are found in order.
Several Family Members?
The administration letter must list all the beneficiaries, and a confirmed grant sets out each person’s share. If relatives disagree, Safaricom will rely on these documents, so settle disputes through the family, the chief or the court first. Do not try to use the deceased’s PIN or SIM to withdraw money; that can be treated as dealing with the estate without authority.
M-Shwari, KCB M-Pesa and Other Accounts
M-Shwari is a bank account with NCBA and KCB M-Pesa a bank account with KCB, both run through M-Pesa. Ask at the retail centre whether the same claim covers these balances or whether the bank needs its own claim. Bank accounts, Saccos, pensions and shares all have separate processes. Money that is never claimed may later be passed to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority; see how to claim unclaimed assets of a deceased person and how to check unclaimed assets with UFAA.
Keeping the Deceased’s Phone Number
To transfer the deceased’s line to a family member, Safaricom lists: the original death certificate, the claimant’s original ID, a confirmed grant of probate or confirmed letters of administration, and a Safaricom form filled by the claimant. A line that has been recycled to a new user follows a separate recycled line claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw a dead person’s M-Pesa without a court grant?
Yes for smaller balances. Up to KSh 30,000, an affidavit and chief’s letter (or another listed letter) can be enough, and up to KSh 200,000 a commissioner’s or Public Trustee letter. Above KSh 200,000 you need a court grant.
How is the money paid?
Only into a registered M-Pesa account belonging to the entitled beneficiary.
Where do I submit the claim?
At a Safaricom retail centre, with original documents.
What if the M-Pesa line has been recycled?
Safaricom has a separate recycled line claim that needs the claimant’s original ID and a recycled line claims form.
Last checked 25 October 2026 on safaricom.co.ke (M-Pesa Legal, Next of Kin Claim). This is general information, not legal advice.
Prefer WhatsApp? Follow Business Radar on WhatsApp
Weekly, free. We only use your email for this newsletter and you can unsubscribe in one click. Privacy policy.
