Safaricom has clarified why customers sending money via Pochi la Biashara cannot retrieve the recipient merchant's phone number after completing a transaction. The telecom giant attributed this to compliance with data privacy laws that protect personal information.

The explanation was provided on August 3, 2026, following a query on Facebook from user Aggie Adana, who asked if it was possible to obtain the phone number of a Pochi la Biashara recipient after sending funds.

In response, Safaricom stated: “If you have sent money through Pochi la Biashara, you cannot access the recipient’s number due to data privacy regulations.” No alternative method for accessing recipient contact details was offered.

Understanding Pochi la Biashara

Pochi la Biashara is a service tailored for small-scale traders, enabling them to separate business income from personal M-Pesa funds on the same mobile number. It targets informal sector operators such as food vendors, kiosk owners, boda boda riders, and second-hand goods sellers.

Merchants do not require a separate SIM card or till number; the service links to their existing M-Pesa-registered phone line. Customers can pay merchants via the M-Pesa Super App by selecting Pay > Pochi la Biashara, or through USSD codes like *334# and the Safaricom SIM Toolkit under Lipa Na M-Pesa.

Transaction limits align with standard M-Pesa caps, allowing up to Ksh 250,000 per transaction and Ksh 500,000 daily.

Features for Merchants

  • Access Pochi la Biashara accounts via M-Pesa App or USSD.
  • Transfer funds between Pochi and personal M-Pesa accounts.
  • Make payments using Buy Goods and Paybill options.
  • Send money to mobile numbers and check account balances.
  • Purchase airtime with a 5% commission.
  • Withdraw cash through M-Pesa agents.
  • Conduct business payments using Lipa na Pochi.

Currently, transfers between Pochi accounts are enabled through USSD.

Data Privacy Restrictions

Safaricom emphasized the distinction between transaction details and personal contact information. While transaction records are accessible, the recipient’s phone number remains confidential to comply with data protection laws.

Merchants can also benefit from subsidized Biashara Smart data bundles using their Pochi account funds or choose to opt out, after which any remaining balance transfers to their personal M-Pesa account.

Additional information is available via the “Know more about Pochi” menu under *334#, which includes frequently asked questions about the service.

This clarification underscores Pochi la Biashara’s role in helping small businesses manage their finances separately from personal funds without requiring additional mobile lines.