M-Pesa Escrow — Pay Safely

Why M-Pesa alone isn't enough for online deals

M-Pesa is Kenya's payment backbone — instant, universal, trusted. But a direct M-Pesa transfer is final. The moment you send money to a stranger, it's gone — no chargeback, no undo. That's exactly what makes Jiji scams and fake sellers so effective.

M-Pesa escrow keeps the speed and removes the risk. The buyer still pays by M-Pesa — but the payment lands in escrow instead of the seller's pocket. The seller sees confirmed, locked-in payment before they deliver. Only when the buyer confirms does the money move.

How M-Pesa escrow works

• Buyer starts the deal — enters the item, both M-Pesa numbers, and the agreed amount.
• STK push arrives instantly — the buyer confirms on their phone like any M-Pesa payment.
• Funds held, seller notified — the seller gets SMS & WhatsApp confirmation that payment is secured.
• Delivery happens — the seller ships, hands over, or completes the work.
• Instant release — buyer confirms, and the seller's M-Pesa is paid immediately.

No M-Pesa transaction fees for users

Paying through Kenya Escrow doesn't add M-Pesa transaction charges on your side — paybill costs are handled on our end. You only pay the small escrow service fee, which is shown clearly before you authorize payment. What you see is what you pay.

What you can use it for

Anything where money shouldn't move until the deal is done: Jiji and marketplace buys, car purchases, electronics, freelance work, deposits for services, and person-to-person sales agreed over WhatsApp or social media.

Both sides are protected

Buyers get buyer protection — no delivery, no release. Sellers get seller protection — confirmed payment before you hand anything over. And if a deal goes wrong, our dispute process reviews evidence from both parties.