Kenya’s dominant network provider, Safaricom, has announced a scheduled network maintenance set to take place on the evening of Sunday 8th October 2023, extending from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM the following day, Monday 9th October 2023. Amidst this window, Kenyans may experience intermittent issues with several key services, including the world-renowned mobile money service, M-Pesa.

Safaricom, renowned not only as the leading network provider in Kenya but also as the giant behind M-Pesa, the globe’s leading mobile money service boasting over 96% market share in Kenya, says it has been a pivotal force in connecting Kenyans to numerous opportunities for the past 22 years. The forthcoming maintenance is aimed at facilitating further innovations and accommodating the burgeoning customer demand for the company’s myriad of services.

During the slated maintenance period, a range of services will be intermittently available, including various M-PESA functions such as Lipa Na M-PESA PayBill and Buy Goods, Business to Customer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B) transactions, and a suite of USSD Services. Additional services facing potential disruptions encompass the Daraja Portal, all M-PESA API’s, International Money Transfers via platforms like Western Union, and the M-PESA App, among others. However, the company has assured that other vital services like calls, data, SMS, and several other M-PESA offerings will continue unhindered.

In a statement from Safaricom, the company expressed its apologies for any inconvenience the maintenance may cause, extending gratitude for the unwavering support from its user base, “We are sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your support in maintaining our position as the country’s leading provider.”

Kenyans are advised to make preparatory measures to counteract any potential disruptions, especially considering the pivotal role of M-Pesa and related services in daily transactions across the nation. Having physical cash or alternative payment options on hand during the maintenance window is highly recommended to circumvent any inconveniences.