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What Happens to Your M-PESA When You Die?
When someone dies, their M-PESA account does not disappear. However, the money inside it does not automatically go to their family.
The old saying “You can’t take it with you” applies here, too. Your possessions remain behind, including your M-PESA balance.
For banks, insurance, or investments, many people know the process of accessing a deceased person’s funds. But with M-PESA, the steps are often misunderstood. So what exactly happens to your M-PESA money when you die?
Safaricom requires the family to report the death of the account owner. “If the person passes, the family member or next of kin must inform Safaricom and inquire about the balance. You write a letter indicating your name, relationship to the deceased, and your request,” explains Selline Akoth, Retail Operations Lead at Safaricom.
What Happens to Your M-PESA When You Die?
How Families Can Claim M-PESA Funds
Safaricom has three categories for accessing a deceased person’s M-PESA funds, each with different requirements.
1. Between KSh1 and KSh30,000
The claimant must present the original death certificate, their ID, and a letter from the local administration (chief, assistant chief, deputy county commissioner, or county commissioner). The letter identifies the person authorized to receive the funds. An affidavit from a commissioner for oaths is also required.
2. Between KSh30,001 and KSh200,000
Safaricom requires authorization from a public trustee (Attorney General’s office), deputy county commissioner, or county commissioner, plus the claimant’s documents.
3. Above KSh200,000
This falls under full succession. The claimant must provide a grant of probate or a letter of administration, as guided by the Law of Succession Act (Cap 160). This process can take months or even years, depending on complexity and disputes.
Families have two years to claim the money before it is transferred to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA). Even if the SIM card expires, the money does not; UFAA holds it.
Loans such as Fuliza and M-Shwari are closed upon the customer’s death.
Some people consider withdrawing the money using the deceased person’s phone instead of following the procedure. This is illegal. Agent withdrawals require the original ID of the registered owner.
“Safaricom does not authorize next of kin to withdraw money for the deceased. It is criminal because that is not your money. It should go to the rightful next of kin through succession,” Selline explains.
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