The Public Petitions Committee in Parliament has launched an inquiry into the handling of M-Pesa funds associated with Safaricom numbers that were deactivated after long periods of inactivity and later reassigned.
The petition, submitted by Thomson Kerongo and Asiago Stephen, was received at Parliament Buildings on October 1, 2026. It alleges that Safaricom PLC has not fully complied with legal requirements regarding the management of funds tied to deactivated numbers.
This inquiry follows concerns about how funds linked to inactive Safaricom numbers are processed when the numbers are reassigned. The petition highlights potential gaps in the company’s procedures, which could affect the security and traceability of transactions. The committee is expected to examine the legal framework and operational practices of Safaricom in this matter.
The issue relates to the broader regulation of mobile money services in Kenya, where M-Pesa is a key financial tool. Safaricom, a major telecom provider, manages the infrastructure for M-Pesa transactions. The inquiry underscores the need for transparency in handling user data and financial records, especially when services are suspended or transferred.
This development comes amid ongoing discussions about improving financial inclusion and regulatory oversight in the mobile money sector. The outcome of the inquiry could influence future policies and practices for telecom companies involved in financial services.
