Kenyan SMEs Weigh Pochi la Biashara versus M-Pesa Till Number

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya are increasingly choosing between Safaricom’s Pochi la Biashara and M-Pesa Till Numbers as mobile payments become central to daily business operations. Pochi la Biashara, launched in 2021, targets informal traders such as hawkers, boda boda riders, and small online sellers, allowing them to separate business funds from personal accounts without formal registration. The setup is simple via *334#, and while payments go into a business wallet, withdrawals remain under the owner’s control, making it ideal for traders seeking flexibility and simplicity.

M-Pesa Till Numbers, on the other hand, are designed for formal enterprises and require registration documents, offering features like automatic reconciliation, digital transaction tracking, and integration with accounting systems. This makes Till Numbers more suitable for growing SMEs that need structured financial management and credibility with customers and lenders. While Pochi la Biashara has no transaction fees for receiving payments, Till Numbers may incur minimal charges when transferring funds to personal accounts, but they enhance transparency and tax compliance.

Experts say the choice depends on the business stage: informal traders benefit from the simplicity of Pochi la Biashara, while registered SMEs gain operational efficiency, credibility, and growth potential through Till Numbers. Both systems enable secure customer payments, but Till Numbers are often perceived as more professional, helping businesses build trust. As Kenya’s digital economy expands, these mobile tools will continue to serve different layers of entrepreneurs, supporting financial management and business growth across the country.