Tuma Popote is Safaricom's cross-network mobile money transfer service that enables M-Pesa users to seamlessly send and receive money directly from other mobile money platforms in Kenya, including Airtel Money, Telkom's T-Kash, and Equitel. The service name translates to "Send Everywhere" in Swahili, reflecting its goal of eliminating barriers between different mobile money networks.
How Tuma Popote Works
The service allows M-Pesa customers to send money to users of other mobile networks through a straightforward process:
Using USSD Code (*334#):
- Dial *334# from your M-Pesa registered phone
- Select Send Money
- Choose Send to Other Network
- Enter the recipient's phone number (Airtel Money, T-Kash, or other network)
- Input the amount you want to send
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN
- Review and confirm the transaction details
Using the Safaricom App:
- Open the Safaricom app and go to M-Pesa
- Select Send Money
- Switch to the Other Network tab
- Enter the phone number and amount
- Confirm transaction details and enter your PIN
Key Features and Benefits
Instant Transfer
Money sent through Tuma Popote is instantly credited to the recipient's mobile money wallet, eliminating the previous cumbersome process where recipients had to visit agents of the sender's network to withdraw funds.
Cross-Network Compatibility
The service supports transfers between:
- M-Pesa to Airtel Money
- M-Pesa to T-Kash (Telkom)
- M-Pesa to Equitel
- Receiving money from other networks to M-Pesa
Reduced Transaction Costs
Cross-network transfer charges have decreased by up to 75% compared to the previous system, making inter-network transactions more affordable. Previously, sending money to "unregistered" users on other networks cost significantly more than current rates.
