Have you ever wondered what happens to a person’s MPESA balance after they pass away? Does the money automatically go to their next of kin, or does someone need to claim it from Safaricom? Understanding this process is essential, especially since MPESA has become a major part of people’s financial lives.
Why MPESA Matters in Estate Planning
MPESA has transformed how Kenyans transact, save, and manage their finances. From small business owners to students and families, it provides convenient access to money and has become one of the most common ways to receive income. Because of this, an MPESA account now forms a crucial part of one’s estate and should always be included in a will.
Unfortunately, many people forget to document their MPESA accounts or inform their relatives. When death occurs, grief often delays financial matters, and many MPESA balances remain unclaimed. If left unclaimed for two years, Safaricom forwards the funds to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA), where the next of kin can still recover them.
Safaricom’s Procedure for Claiming an MPESA Balance
Safaricom has a clear process that allows relatives of a deceased subscriber to claim the MPESA balance, whether the person left a will or not.
To ensure a smooth process, the account holder should register a next of kin in advance by following these steps:
- Dial *234#
- Select option 2 – My MPESA Information
- Choose option 6 – Next of Kin
- Enter your Bonga PIN
- Provide your next of kin’s full name, ID number, and phone number
Documents Required to Claim an MPESA Balance
When claiming the MPESA balance of a deceased person, the next of kin must present the following documents:
- Claimant’s national ID
- Safaricom next of kin claims form (duly filled)
- Death certificate of the deceased
- Statutory declaration (affidavit) confirming the relationship between the claimant and the deceased
- Grant of Letters of Administration if the deceased had no will
- Grant of Probate if the deceased left a will
- Confirmation of Grant showing beneficiaries and their entitlements
- Letter from the County Commissioner or Deputy County Commissioner confirming the details of the deceased and beneficiaries
How to Claim the MPESA Balance from Safaricom
The claim process depends on the total amount in the deceased’s MPESA account. Visit any Safaricom retail shop and present the required documents as shown below:
For balances between Ksh 1 – 30,000:
- Claimant’s ID
- Completed claim form
- Death certificate
- Affidavit or administrative letters confirming relationship
For balances between Ksh 30,001 – 200,000:
- Claimant’s ID
- Filled claim form
- Death certificate
- Letters of Administration or confirmation letter from a County official
For balances above Ksh 200,000:
- Claimant’s ID
- Next of kin claim form
- Death certificate
- Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Once Safaricom confirms the subscriber’s death, the MPESA account is frozen. The provided documents are verified, and if all details are correct, the balance is transferred directly to the claimant’s MPESA account. Safaricom does not allow transfers through any other means.
Key Takeaway
To avoid complications, it’s crucial for every MPESA user to register their next of kin and include the account in their will. This simple step ensures your loved ones can easily access your funds when needed. Safaricom’s structured process ensures transparency, accountability, and rightful distribution of the deceased’s MPESA balance.
