Safaricom, Kenya's largest telecommunications operator, has introduced a new privacy feature for its M-Pesa mobile money service, allowing users to mask transaction details on their statements. The feature, launched on April 1, 2026, is part of a broader overhaul of the platform that includes the integration of M-Pesa into a new unified application called My OneApp, which also hosts a suite of third-party mini-apps.
The masked transaction function, accessible via the M-Pesa menu under 'Privacy Settings', enables customers to hide the names of recipients and senders on their transaction records, displaying only phone numbers. According to a company statement, this is designed to give users greater control over their financial privacy. The feature applies to person-to-person (P2P) transfers, business payments, and airtime purchases, though it does not affect the underlying transaction process or the information visible to Safaricom for regulatory purposes.
This privacy update coincides with the launch of the My OneApp, which represents a significant shift in how Safaricom presents its digital services. The new app merges the previously separate M-Pesa application with Safaricom's core customer account management tools. Users can now access their airtime balance, data bundles, M-Pesa services, and a new 'Mini Apps' marketplace from a single interface.
The Mini Apps section functions as an in-app store for third-party services, allowing users to access offerings from partners without downloading separate applications. Initial partners include ride-hailing, food delivery, and e-commerce platforms, though Safaricom has not disclosed a full list. This move positions My OneApp as a super-app contender, seeking to become a primary gateway for a wide range of daily digital activities in Kenya.
The developments come as Safaricom seeks to maintain its dominant position in East Africa's fiercely competitive fintech landscape. M-Pesa, launched in 2007, is a pioneer of mobile money and has over 30 million active customers in Kenya alone, serving as a critical engine for financial inclusion. However, the platform faces increasing pressure from specialized fintech startups and super-app models from competitors like OPay, which aggregate multiple services.
Analysts view the introduction of enhanced privacy controls as a response to growing consumer awareness around data protection. Kenya's Data Protection Act, enacted in 2019, has heightened scrutiny over how companies handle personal information. By offering users more granular control, Safaricom may be proactively addressing potential regulatory concerns and differentiating its service in a market where transaction privacy is a valued feature.
The integration into My OneApp also reflects a strategic effort to increase customer retention and engagement. By reducing the need to switch between applications, Safaricom aims to create a more seamless experience and capture a larger share of its users' digital interactions. The success of the mini-app ecosystem will likely depend on the quality and relevance of the partners it attracts and the incentives offered to both developers and consumers.
These changes are being rolled out as Safaricom continues to expand M-Pesa's functionality beyond basic money transfer into savings, credit, and international remittances. The overhaul suggests the company is focusing on deepening engagement with its existing massive user base through enhanced utility and privacy, rather than solely pursuing customer acquisition in its next phase of growth.