Kenya Ferry Services Taps Safaricom to Enable Cashless Payments

Safaricom and the Kenya Ferry Services have announced a partnership that will enable motorists using ferry services to make cashless payments through M-PESA.

“This cashless solution through M-PESA is a display of our commitment to move with the times to better serve customers who use our services daily. This will also increase speed and efficiency as we automate ferry pass issuance, enabling an end-to-end seamless experience for all,” said Bakari Gowa, Managing Director, Kenya Ferry Services.

The partnership will see Kenya Ferry Services collect toll payments from all vehicle classes using the ferry services through M-PESA with customers dialing *721# to for payment.

“M-PESA has emerged as a preferred way to make payments in the country. It is fast, safe and convenient and offers the benefit of reconciliation both to customers and business. The service has equally distinguished itself in empowering our customers to keep safe during the COVID-19 period by limiting physical interactions and handling of cash. We are delighted to partner with the Kenya Ferry Services to offer payments that are quick, easy and on-the-go as customers interact with the ferry services,” said Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer, Safaricom.

The Kenya Ferry Services carry over 300,000 pedestrians and more than 6,000 vehicles daily across the Likoni channel.

With the new service, the partnership is expected to further boost the response to the demand for M-PESA payments in the public transport sector due to the growing concern amidst the spread of the Coronavirus in Kenya.

Safaricom’s partnership with Kenya Ferry Services is part of a raft of measures the company is implementing following the recent renewal of the move to enable Kenyans send M-PESA transactions of KES 1,000 and below for free.