M-pesa Mobile Money Transfers. Photo/Courtesy.
Safaricom will begin masking mobile numbers in M-PESA Send Money transaction notifications from March 24, 2026, as part of a broader data minimization strategy aimed at strengthening customer privacy and reducing exposure to personal information.
The update will change how recipients view transaction alerts. Instead of displaying full mobile numbers, notifications will show partially hidden identifiers such as 0722***000, while still retaining the sender’s names and complete transaction details.
Enhanced Privacy and Fraud Protection
The move is designed to reduce risks linked to data exposure, including spam communication, unsolicited contact, and social engineering attempts.
By limiting access to full mobile numbers, Safaricom aims to create a safer transaction environment for its M-PESA users, particularly within its peer-to-peer (P2P) ecosystem.
Controlled Access to Sender Details
Safaricom has introduced a verification process for users who require full sender information.
Recipients can request verification by forwarding the transaction message to 334. The sender will then receive a prompt to approve or decline the request.
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If the sender consents, the recipient will receive full details via SMS, including the mobile number and name. If the sender declines, the recipient will be notified of the decision.
Safaricom notes that:
- Verification requests will be limited to one per transaction
- Requests will remain valid for 24 hours
- Sender approval is required before any personal details are shared
This mechanism introduces a consent-based approach to data sharing within mobile transactions.
Part of a Broader Privacy Strategy
The update reflects Safaricom’s ongoing investment in data protection across its ecosystem. Previous privacy enhancements have extended to services such as:
- Pochi la Biashara
- Internal staff data access systems
- M-PESA statements
- Buy Goods and Paybill services
The latest update reinforces a company-wide commitment to safeguarding user information while maintaining service functionality.
Scale and Impact of M-PESA
The change affects one of the largest mobile money systems in the region. The M-PESA Send Money service serves approximately 14.1 million daily active users, processing about 37 million transactions daily with a total value of roughly Sh27 billion.
By introducing masked numbers at this scale, Safaricom is setting a new standard for privacy in mobile financial services across Africa.
