Safaricom Enables Easier Access To M-PESA For The Visually Impaired Persons

Persons living with visual impairment/blindness can now access M-PESA messages independently in braille format and conduct financial transactions with confidentiality.

This follows the introduction into the market of DOT Braille Watch, a partnership between Safaricom and DOT incorporation.

The Dot Braille Watch is an innovation that is an equivalent of a smart gear that displays SMS notifications in braille hence enabling a visually impaired person to read.

“We are committed to the empowerment of persons with disability by facilitating the availability and affordability of assistive devices and technologies in line with our mission to transform lives. This partnership with DOT incorporation will make life easier for our visually impaired and blind customers through innovation,” said Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Chief Officer, Financial Services at Safaricom.

The device will display SMS messages in a braille format and has time and alarm functions in braille. It will be available on the Masoko e-commerce platform and Safaricom retail shops.

Safaricom has doubled its efforts in creating an enabling environment for the Blind and visually impaired, through call optimization where the special trained call agents can directly receive call queries from this group of people.

Last year, Safaricom introduced the Interactive Voice Response (IVR), an M-PESA solution that would enable the visually impaired and blind customers to be in control of their M-PESA transactions.