Pochi La Biashara is a digital financial product that allows business owners such as food vendors, small kiosk owners, boda-boda operators, secondhand clothes dealers, and other informal business operators to receive and separate business funds from personal funds on their existing M-PESA line. The service creates a virtual business account on your current SIM card without requiring a new mobile number or till.
Who Can Apply for Pochi La Biashara?
To be eligible for Pochi La Biashara, you must:
- Be a Safaricom customer
- Have an active M-PESA account registered on your SIM card
- Own or operate a small business (formal or informal)
- Be willing to separate business and personal finances
The service is particularly designed for:
- Food vendors and restaurants
- Small kiosk and retail shop owners
- Boda-boda and taxi operators
- Secondhand clothes dealers
- Service providers
- General traders and hawkers
How to Apply for Pochi La Biashara using USSD (*334#)
Step-by-Step USSD Registration Process
Step 1: Initiate Registration
- Dial *334# from your Safaricom line
- Select M-PESA Services from the main menu
- Choose "Pochi La Biashara" option (usually option 6 or 7)
- Select "Register" or "Open Account"
- Read and accept terms and conditions
Step 2: Provide Basic Information
- Enter Your Name: Full names as per National ID
- Confirm Phone Number: Verify Safaricom number registration
- Provide ID Number: National ID or passport number
- Set Account PIN: Create secure 4-digit PIN (different from M-PESA PIN)
- Confirm PIN: Re-enter PIN for verification
Step 3: Business Information
- Business Name: Enter your business/trading name
- Business Type: Select from provided categories:
- Retail/Shop
- Restaurant/Food
- Services
- Agriculture
- Transport
- Manufacturing
- Other (specify)
- Business Location: County and nearest town
- Expected Monthly Revenue: Select revenue range
Step 4: Complete Registration
- Review Information: Verify all details are correct
- Submit Application: Final submission of registration
- Receive Confirmation: SMS confirmation with account details
- Account Activation: Account automatically activated
- Receive Welcome Kit: SMS with account number and instructions
How to Apply for Pochi La Biashara using MySafaricom App
Step-by-Step App Registration
Step 1: App Setup
- Download MySafaricom App from Google Play Store or App Store
- Install and Launch the application
- Log In with your Safaricom number
- Verify Identity with OTP sent to your phone
- Navigate to Business Services section
Step 2: Pochi La Biashara Registration
- Select "Pochi La Biashara" from business services
- Choose "Register New Account"
- Read Terms and Conditions thoroughly
- Accept Agreement to proceed with registration
- Begin Registration Process
Step 3: Personal Information
- Verify Personal Details: Confirm pre-filled information
- Upload ID Document: Take photo of National ID or passport
- Verify Address: Confirm residential address information
- Emergency Contact: Provide alternative contact person
- Confirm Accuracy: Review all personal information
Step 4: Business Profile Setup
Business Details:
- Business Name: Official or trading name
- Business Description: Brief description of products/services
- Business Category: Select from comprehensive list:
- Agriculture and Farming
- Arts and Crafts
- Automotive Services
- Beauty and Personal Care
- Construction and Building
- Education and Training
- Financial Services
- Food and Beverage
- Health and Medical
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Professional Services
- Retail and Wholesale
- Transportation
- Other Services
Business Location:
- County: Select your county of operation
- Sub-County: Choose specific sub-county
- Town/Market: Nearest town or market center
- Physical Address: Detailed business location
- GPS Coordinates: Optional location marking
Business Operations:
- Years in Operation: How long you've been in business
- Number of Employees: Business size indicator
- Monthly Revenue Range: Expected income brackets
- Primary Customers: Individual, business, or mixed
- Payment Methods Currently Used: Cash, mobile money, etc.
Step 5: Documentation Upload (Optional)
Business Documents:
- Business Permit: County/municipal trading license
- KRA PIN Certificate: Tax registration document
- Business Registration: Certificate of incorporation or business name
- Bank Account Details: Business bank account information
Additional Documents:
- Proof of Location: Lease agreement or ownership documents
- Professional Licenses: Industry-specific certifications
- Insurance Documents: Business insurance certificates
- References: Business or character references
Step 6: Final Setup
- Review Complete Profile: Comprehensive information review
- Set Security Preferences: PIN and security question setup
- Configure Notifications: SMS and app notification preferences
- Submit Registration: Final application submission
- Await Approval: Usually immediate for basic registration
How to Apply for Pochi La Biashara at Safaricom Shop
Required Documents
Mandatory Documents:
- National ID: Original and photocopy
- Safaricom Line: SIM card registered in your name
- Passport Photo: Recent photograph
Optional Business Documents:
- Business permit or license
- KRA PIN certificate
- Bank account details
- Proof of business location
Information to Prepare
Personal Information:
- Full names as per ID
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Alternative contact person
- Next of kin details
Business Information:
- Business name and description
- Type of business operations
- Business location and address
- Expected monthly revenue
- Number of employees
- Years in operation
Shop Registration Process
Step 1: Shop Selection and Visit
- Locate Suitable Shop: Find Safaricom shop with business services
- Check Operating Hours: Ensure adequate time for registration
- Gather Documents: Bring all required and optional documents
- Plan Visit Timing: Avoid peak hours for faster service
Step 2: Registration Assistance
- Request Pochi La Biashara Registration: Speak with customer service
- Document Verification: Staff verify identity documents
- Form Completion: Complete registration form with assistance
- Information Verification: Confirm all details are accurate
- Biometric Capture: Fingerprint or photo capture if required
Step 3: Account Setup
- Account Creation: Staff initiate account creation process
- PIN Setup: Set secure account access PIN
- Service Activation: Activate required business services
- Testing: Test account functionality with staff assistance
- Training: Basic training on account usage
Step 4: Completion and Follow-up
- Receive Confirmation: Get registration confirmation receipt
- Account Details: Receive account number and access information
- Contact Information: Get support contact details
- Follow-up Schedule: Plan for any required follow-up visits
- Additional Services: Information about additional business services