A Nairobi-based content creator known as Brisounds has advised Kenyans to use Fuliza when paying matatu fares following a distressing experience that left him fearing for his safety.
On the day of the incident, Brisounds had KSh 13,000 in his M-Pesa account. While paying a KSh 100 fare inside a matatu, he showed the conductor the payment confirmation on his phone. However, he noticed the conductor’s gaze shift from the payment message to his account balance, which made him uneasy.
As the vehicle approached the city centre, Brisounds informed the conductor of his intended stop. Shortly after, he observed the conductor using his own phone in a suspicious manner. Upon disembarking, Brisounds spotted two men seemingly watching him closely from opposite sides of the street.
Trusting his instincts, he walked along Parliament Road, a route he believes offers greater safety in Nairobi. Despite changing his path, the two men appeared to trail him until he took refuge inside a nearby bank, convinced he had become a target.
Why Fuliza Offers Added Security
This experience prompted Brisounds to rethink how he handles digital transactions in public. He now recommends using Fuliza, a credit facility linked to M-Pesa, for matatu fare payments. When using Fuliza, the transaction message shows a borrowed amount rather than the actual M-Pesa balance, making it harder for onlookers to gauge one’s financial standing.
Brisounds urges commuters to be mindful before handing their phones to conductors, cautioning that visible balances could make them vulnerable to theft or targeting.
Additional Concerns in Nairobi's Matatu Sector
Separately, there has been a rise in fare evasion among Nairobi students who use fake M-Pesa payment messages to avoid paying matatu fares. This trend poses challenges for conductors’ livelihoods and raises questions about ethical behaviour among young commuters.
