Data protection: Should you show your M-Pesa message for payment verification?

A smartphone with the Safaricom M-pesa logo displayed on the screen on January 9, 2024. 

Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group

Many Kenyans have normalised doing their transactions via mobile money, particularly M-Pesa. After making the payment, they instinctively hold up the phone to the seller to see the confirmation message, often without much thought.

In fact, some customers will hand over the entire phone as is common in overcrowded places, such as in matatus. However, this practice infringes on data protection and privacy rights, as stated in the Kenyan Constitution.

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