Business News
Kenyans to buy air, bus tickets through M-pesa
Sending money on M-Pesa. Photo/FILE
Listed telecoms operator, Safaricom, has integrated its M-Pesa money transfer service and data platform to enable users book and pay for their domestic air, road and rail travel through their data-enabled mobile phones.
The company has signed partnerships with local airlines — East African, Air Kenya and Aircraft Leasing Services (ALS), the Rift Valley Railways and bus companies such as Akamba, Crown bus and Busways to offer this service.
Speaking during the launch of the service, Mr Michael Joseph, Safaricom chief executive officer, said the new service would enable the firm’s subscribers obtain day-to-day services in an efficient, cost-effective and secure manner.
Preferred flight
Subscribers will be required to log on to www.safaricom.com from their mobile phones, select their preferred flight or travel, enter their names and mobile number; upon which they will get a booking reference and instructions on how to pay through M-Pesa.
Once they make payments, they will receive a confirmation SMS with their booking details.
“Customers incur huge costs compounded with the inefficiency associated with having to commute and carry cash to pay for such services. They can now get these services wherever they are,” he said.
Mr Joseph said that although the service, whose pilot started in July, was for domestic airlines only, the company is working to include airlines with international flights.
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