7 Powerful Ways to Use M-Pesa to Grow Your Craft Business in Kenya

7 Powerful Ways to Use M-Pesa to Grow Your Craft Business in Kenya.

7 Powerful Ways to Use M-Pesa to Grow Your Craft Business in Kenya

Running a craft business in Kenya can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re creating handmade jewelry, African print fashion, pottery, beadwork, or custom home décor, the market is vibrant and full of opportunity. However, turning your craft into a scalable, profitable business takes more than talent—it requires the right tools.

One of the most effective tools available to Kenyan entrepreneurs today is M-Pesa, Safaricom’s mobile money platform. It’s more than just a way to send and receive money—it’s a powerful business tool that, when used strategically, can streamline operations, improve customer satisfaction, and fuel business growth.

Here are seven practical ways you can use M-Pesa to take your craft business to the next level:

1. Accept Payments Seamlessly Using Lipa na M-Pesa

Gone are the days of relying solely on cash or bank deposits. With Lipa na M-Pesa, you can accept payments from customers in a fast, secure, and professional way. You can register for:

• Buy Goods and Services (Till Number) – Ideal for shops, exhibitions, or open markets.

• Paybill Number – Great for businesses that want structured payments or need a way to track customer accounts.

Offering M-Pesa as a payment option makes your business accessible to more customers and reduces the risk of handling cash.

Tip: Display your Till or Paybill number prominently at your stall, shop, or on your social media pages.

2. Keep Better Financial Records with M-Pesa Statements

M-Pesa automatically keeps a digital trail of every transaction. You can easily download monthly statements from the Safaricom app or website. These statements help you:

• Track your income and expenses.

• Prepare reports for loan applications or tax filing.

• Identify sales trends during certain seasons or events.

With consistent M-Pesa use, you start managing your business like a pro, with real data to support your decisions.

3. Access Business Loans via M-Shwari, KCB M-Pesa & Fuliza

One of the biggest challenges small business owners face is accessing quick capital. The good news is, your M-Pesa activity builds a financial profile that lenders trust. This opens doors to:

• M-Shwari Loans – Small personal loans you can grow with.

• KCB M-Pesa – Higher loan limits and savings options.

• Fuliza for Business – An overdraft facility for emergencies.

Use these funds wisely—to restock supplies, invest in better tools, or scale your production capacity.

Tip: Regular, consistent M-Pesa transactions improve your credit limit over time.

4. Pay Suppliers and Business Expenses Efficiently

Instead of spending time and money traveling to pay for supplies or rent, use M-Pesa to:

• Pay suppliers instantly.

• Send payments for raw materials, delivery services, or even utilities.

This improves your cash flow, saves time, and builds trust with partners who appreciate quick payments.

5. Sell Online and Receive Payments Remotely

Social media has opened up incredible opportunities for craft businesses in Kenya. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp Business allow you to showcase your products to a national (and even international) audience.

M-Pesa makes selling online simple. Once a customer places an order, you can:

• Share your Till or phone number for payment.

• Confirm the transaction immediately.

• Arrange delivery through a courier service like G4S, Fargo Courier, or local boda boda riders.

This allows you to reach customers beyond your town or city—without needing a physical store.

6. Save Strategically with M-Pesa Wallets

Every business needs a financial cushion. Instead of spending all your earnings, M-Pesa lets you save automatically or manually with:

• M-Shwari Lock Savings Account – Lock away a fixed amount for a set period and earn interest.

• KCB M-Pesa Savings – Save at your pace and watch your balance grow.

You can set savings goals, such as buying a sewing machine, renting a bigger workspace, or attending a craft fair.

7. Run Customer Promotions with M-Pesa

People love deals—and M-Pesa makes it easy to run simple, effective promotions. For example:

• Offer discounts for paying with M-Pesa: “Pay via Lipa na M-Pesa and get 10% off!”

• Run loyalty rewards: “After five M-Pesa purchases, get a free gift.”

• Participate in Safaricom’s promotions, which sometimes feature merchants using Lipa na M-Pesa.

These incentives encourage mobile payments, build loyalty, and drive repeat purchases.