Safaricom has addressed concerns regarding automatic deductions labeled #SHA appearing on some M-Pesa users’ accounts. The telecom giant explained these withdrawals are likely linked to M-Pesa Ratiba, a standing order feature that enables customers to schedule recurring payments.

What is M-Pesa Ratiba?

M-Pesa Ratiba allows users to set up automatic payments from their M-Pesa wallets to other M-Pesa customers, PayBill numbers, or Till numbers. This service is commonly used for recurring expenses such as rent, utility bills, and school fees.

According to Safaricom, customers who establish a Ratiba standing order via USSD must authenticate the setup with their M-Pesa PIN. Once activated, the scheduled payment is deducted automatically on the agreed date without the need for further PIN entry. Users of the M-Pesa App have the option to choose between automatic payments or customer-initiated payments, the latter requiring PIN entry each time.

How to Manage or Cancel Ratiba Standing Orders

  • Dial *334#, select option 9 for M-Pesa Ratiba, then choose Manage Standing Order and Delete Standing Order to cancel.
  • On the M-Pesa App, navigate to Financial Services > Mini App > M-Pesa RATIBA > My Subscriptions and select Delete.

Safaricom’s terms allow users to view, edit, or delete their Ratiba subscriptions at any time.

Additional Details

  • A Ksh5 fee applies per successful Ratiba transaction, plus any applicable send-money or PayBill charges.
  • Customers receive SMS and in-app notifications ahead of scheduled payments.
  • If an account lacks sufficient funds, the Fuliza overdraft facility may be triggered, subject to the user’s limit.

This clarification helps M-Pesa users identify whether unexpected deductions are linked to existing Ratiba subscriptions and provides clear instructions on how to manage or cancel these automatic payments.