Safaricom prepares for battle, sets date for new Mpesa network

The stage is set for deployment of the long-awaited Safaricom’s new M-Pesa system, raising stakes in the ongoing battle between the mobile phone service provider and a slew of new entrants in the mobile money transfer business led by Equity Bank.

The new system to be launched next year and hosted locally is expected to help Safaricom maintain its grip on the lucrative mobile money market which saw Sh2 trillion shillings transacted in the country last year.