M-PESA GO for Teens
For teens who have been ready to step into the world and take charge of their destinies, the moment of absolute independence begins when they begin to manage their cash and what to do with it. For parents, freedom is in the moment they are sure that their teens are safe as they shoot for their dreams. The moment is here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is M-PESA Go?
This is a product specifically designed for children under 18 years (linked to their parents/guardians) to enable them to use select M-PESA services independently.
How does M-PESA GO registration happen?
Registration can happen:
- Independently by the parent, through an online onboarding portal – M-PESA Go (for parents with lines already being used by their children).
- By visiting any Safaricom shop/agent – buy a line and child gets directly registered on M-PESA GO.
As a parent, what documentation do I need to onboard my child onto M-PESA GO?
You may register your child on M-PESA GO, using a clear copy of their birth certificate or passport. These can be uploaded onto the self-onboarding portal. (M-PESA Go Portal).
As a parent, do I need to visit any Safaricom shop with my 10 – 17year old in order to register them for M-PESA GO?
No, you don’t have to.
However, you must present an original copy of the child’s Birth Certificate/passport, where registration is done at the shop.
How many M-PESA GO Accounts can I register under my profile as a parent?
You can have up to four (4) M-PESA GO accounts under your M-PESA profile.
If I have a line already registered to the Safaricom network, but it is not registered on M-PESA, how will I register it on M-PESA GO?
In this case, you will visit a Safaricom Shop where the line will be registered directly on M-PESA GO for your child.
You will need to have the child’s birth certificate or passport.
If I buy a new line, can I register it directly on M-PESA Go at a Safaricom shop?
This will be done exclusively at a Safaricom shop.
The new line will first be registered on the Safaricom network using your (the parent’s) information (name, ID/Passport, Date of birth) and on then the M-PESA GO account is added while capturing your child’s details – name, date of birth.
If I have a line(s) registered on M-PESA already, how will I move it/convert to M-PESA Go?
You can convert the line to M-PESA GO by logging on to the self-onboarding portal – M-PESA Go
As a parent, you will verify your identification details (name and ID/Passport number) and then provide the child’s details (name and Date of birth) that you wish to convert to M-PESA GO.
After registering my child’s M-PESA GO account on the self-onboarding portal, how will I be able to see it on my profile?
To check the M-PESA GO accounts on your profile:
- Dial *334# > My Account > Manage Junior Account > Manage Junior Account Relationship>View Junior Account List.
If a line I wish to convert to an M-PESA GO account has a loan and savings product (Mshwari, KCB M-PESA, Halal PESA, FULIZA) can I still register it on M-PESA GO?
Yes, you can.
However, if you have an outstanding loan or savings, you must repay it and transfer/withdraw your savings before proceeding.
During the conversion process here – M-PESA Go you will be asked to consent to any of these accounts being closed.
Which channels can a child use to transact on M-PESA GO?
The M-PESA GO customer will transact using:
- The M-PESA APP – i.e. this will be the M-PESA Go version with limited features. (M-PESA Go)
- The STK (Sim Tool Kit)
Which services will my child be able to access on M-PESA GO?
You can enable and disable these services on your child’s M-PESA GO account:
- Send and receive money services.
- Lipa na M-PESA Paybill and Merchant Payments.
- Buy Airtime
- Buy Bundles
- My Account services.
Are there services that my child will not be able to access on M-PESA GO?
Yes. M-PESA GO customers (children) may not access the following services:
- Any payments to all betting companies.
- All loans and saving products – e.g. Mshwari, KCB M-PESA and Fuliza.
- The Withdraw Cash – which requires an ID number to be shown.
- All Payments to political parties.
Will my child’s M-PESA GO Account have varying transaction limits?
No. Normal M-PESA account transactional limits and charges will apply for all M-PESA GO children accounts.
As a parent, what options are available, to manage my child’s account?
As a parent, you will dial *334# on your handset where you will get the following options.
Manage services | · Enable or Disable services such as send money, buy airtime, lipa na M-PESA from your child’s account. |
Manage Junior Relationships | · Add / Remove any junior Accounts and view all children under your profile. |
View Junior Account Info | · View M-PESA GO account balance or mini statements. |
Can my child using an M-PESA GO account request for a sim swap?
No. Only you as the parent/guardian can call Safaricom customer care on behalf of the M-PESA GO customer to request for a sim swap. Your KYC details will be used for the vetting process.
In case of a reversal request on my child’s M-PESA GO account, whose consent will be required?
For all reversal requests you as the parent will be required to give consent, since the M-PESA GO customer is under the age of 18.
For any support or product queries, how will my child be assisted?
Your child can access Safaricom Customer Care on Line 100 or Line 200 for GSM related issues and Line 234 for all M-PESA related issues on their account.
However, for all requests about the M-PESA GO account – e.g. reversal, sim swaps, etc – you as the parent must give your consent.