By Brian Rajula |March 24, 2026
Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom, has rolled out a new privacy feature that will see customer phone numbers partially hidden in M-Pesa transaction messages.
In the latest update aimed at enhancing user data protection, Safaricom has begun masking phone numbers in SMS confirmations sent after M-Pesa transactions. Instead of displaying the full phone number of the sender or recipient, the messages will now show a partially concealed format, helping to safeguard sensitive personal information.
Under the new system, only a portion of the phone number will be visible, with the remaining digits replaced by asterisks. For example, a number will appear as 0712 *** 678 in transaction messages. This applies to both sending and receiving parties in M-Pesa transactions.
The move is expected to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to personal data, particularly in cases where SMS messages may be viewed by unintended parties.
Safaricom says the update is part of its broader commitment to customer privacy and data protection, especially as digital financial transactions continue to grow across the country. With millions of Kenyans relying on M-Pesa daily for payments, transfers, and business transactions, protecting user information has become increasingly critical.
The masking feature also aligns with global data protection trends, where companies are adopting stricter measures to limit exposure of personally identifiable information.
Despite the change in how phone numbers appear, Safaricom has clarified that the core functionality of M-Pesa remains unaffected. Customers will still receive all essential transaction details, including names, amounts, transaction IDs, and timestamps.
Users can also continue to verify transaction details through the M-Pesa app or by dialing USSD codes, ensuring transparency and accountability in all transactions.
The introduction of masked phone numbers comes at a time when concerns over data privacy and cyber security are on the rise. Industry experts have welcomed the move, noting that it adds an extra layer of protection for users without compromising convenience.
Safaricom continues to roll out innovations within the M-Pesa ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a leader in mobile financial services not just in Kenya, but across Africa.
