Updated 31 October 2026
To start an M-Pesa shop in Kenya you either apply to Safaricom as an agent head office, which needs a registered company with at least three outlets, or, more commonly, join an existing agent dealer as a sub-agent with your ID, a business permit and a certificate of good conduct. You then need cash and e-float to serve customers. Here is what Safaricom requires, published on its M-Pesa agents and dealers page, and what to plan for.
Updated October 2026.
Two ways to open an M-Pesa shop
| Route | Who it suits | What you deal with |
|---|---|---|
| Agent head office (direct with Safaricom) | Registered companies with three or more outlets | Full application to Safaricom; around 90 working days to process |
| Sub-agent under an agent dealer | Individuals opening one shop | The dealer handles the Safaricom relationship and gives you an agent till |
Requirements for an M-Pesa agent head office
- A brief company profile
- Board resolution if there is more than one director
- Certified copies of VAT and KRA PIN certificates, where applicable
- A list of at least three outlets
- Certificate of incorporation
- Form CR12 (or equivalent) not older than three months
- IDs of office administrators and primary assistants
- A business permit for each outlet, current within one year
- Police clearance certificates for directors, office administrators and primary assistants
- One year of bank statements as evidence of trading
- Business ownership form and a cancelled company cheque
Safaricom says processing takes 90 working days and that forged documents are a criminal offence.
Requirements for a sub-agent
If you do not meet the head office requirements, Safaricom lists a simpler set for agents joining under a dealer:
- Certificate of good conduct; see how to get a certificate of good conduct
- Business permit for your premises; see how to apply for a single business permit
- National ID
Approach an established dealer in your area. Agree in writing on the commission split, who provides branding and the till, and any fees the dealer charges.
Float: the money you need to run the shop
An M-Pesa agent needs two kinds of money: cash to pay customers who withdraw, and e-float (M-Pesa balance on the agent till) for customers who deposit. Running out of either means turning customers away. You can buy e-float by:
- depositing into the M-Pesa Trust account (beneficiary: M-PESA Holding Company Limited, at Co-operative Bank) using your head office short code as the account number; or
- buying float from a super-agent, usually a bank branch. Some banks serve only their own account holders; KCB serves non-account holders up to KSh100,000 a day.
M-Pesa Agent Business Loan
Agent head offices that have been active for at least three months can borrow KSh5,000 to KSh10,000,000 in working float. Safaricom charges 0.123% of the amount requested. Register by dialling *234*3# and selecting M-Pesa Agent Business Loan.
What an M-Pesa agent does
- Registers new M-Pesa customers
- Takes cash deposits into customers’ own accounts
- Pays out withdrawals; customers pay the tariff in M-Pesa limits and charges
- Follows Safaricom’s anti-money laundering and KYC rules, including checking IDs
Agents earn commission from Safaricom on transactions, paid through the dealer or head office. Ask your dealer for the current commission table before you commit.
Choosing a location
Busy spots with few agents nearby do best: markets, matatu stages, near estates without banks. Many agents add another line of business, such as airtime, phone accessories or a small shop, to use the same space and staff. Security matters because you hold cash; budget for a safe and lockable counter.
FAQ
Can an individual become an M-Pesa agent?
Yes, usually as a sub-agent under an agent dealer, with an ID, business permit and certificate of good conduct.
How long does Safaricom take to approve an agent?
Safaricom says head office applications take 90 working days.
How many outlets do I need to apply directly to Safaricom?
At least three.
Can M-Pesa agents borrow float?
Yes. Agent head offices active for three months can borrow KSh5,000 to KSh10 million through the M-Pesa Agent Business Loan at a 0.123% fee.
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