Safaricom and Pesapal announced two new in-store M-PESA payment options in Kenya on 1 October 2026: customers can scan a QR code shown on a Pesapal point-of-sale (POS) terminal or tap an NFC-enabled smartphone on a compatible terminal. Pesapal founder Agosta Liko said the initial rollout would cover 30,000 terminals, according to TechCabal reporting republished by Veltrix. The figure describes the reported rollout scale, not customer uptake.
How do M-PESA Tap-to-Pay and Scan-to-Pay work?
Both flows use a Pesapal POS terminal at the merchant’s checkout. Rather than manually entering payment details, the customer uses a phone to start the payment, checks the transaction information and authorizes it through M-PESA.
| Payment path | What the customer needs | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Scan-to-Pay | A smartphone camera and a participating Pesapal POS displaying a QR code. | The customer scans the code. Merchant details and the payment amount are filled in for review before the customer completes payment. |
| Tap-to-Pay | An NFC-enabled smartphone and a compatible Pesapal POS. | The customer taps the phone on the terminal, then verifies the transaction and completes payment. |
The Star’s 1 October 2026 launch report describes the two flows and says transaction details are presented for verification. TechCabal’s account, republished by Veltrix, says customers can authorize in My OneApp using an M-PESA PIN or biometrics.
Can you tap your phone to pay with M-PESA in Kenya?
The announced Tap-to-Pay flow is for a customer with an NFC-enabled smartphone paying at a compatible Pesapal terminal in Kenya. It is terminal-mediated: the reported description is not a phone-to-phone wallet transfer. The announcement does not establish support for every phone or terminal, so a working NFC feature alone does not guarantee that Tap-to-Pay will be available at a particular checkout.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- With Square Terminal, you can ring up sales, accept payments, and print receipts, all with one device. Use it at the counter or ring up customers anywhere in your store.
- Accept all major credit and debit cards and pay one low rate with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts.
- Process chip cards in just two seconds.
- Get your money as soon as the next business day.
- Use it cordlessly with the built-in battery, designed to last all day.
Which phones work with Pesapal Tap-to-Pay?
The launch reports do not provide a supported phone-model list, operating-system requirements or minimum app versions. They establish only the general requirement for an NFC-enabled smartphone. Ask the merchant or Safaricom for current compatibility details if you are unsure whether your phone is supported.
Does M-PESA Tap-to-Pay need a new Till Number?
No new Till Number is described for the merchant. TechCabal’s report says the merchant’s existing M-PESA Till Number remains the receiving account, Pesapal supplies the POS terminal and Safaricom handles the M-PESA transaction.
Rank #2
- Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
- Accept contactless payments, chip cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay from anywhere, with improved connectivity, extended battery life, and enhanced security. Pay one low rate for every tap or dip.
- No long-term commitments or contracts, no monthly fees- and with offline payments, keep taking payments for up to 24 hours.
- Safely and securely accepts payments anywhere. Plus, get data security, 24/7 fraud prevention, and payment-dispute management at no extra cost.
- Use the, easy-to-use, and customizable POS to get started.
What does the 30,000-terminal rollout figure mean?
TechCabal reported, in coverage republished by Veltrix on 1 October 2026, that Pesapal founder Agosta Liko said the rollout would start across 30,000 terminals in Kenya. He said terminals were concentrated in restaurants, hotels and selected supermarkets, and that the feature was available to merchants with compatible terminals. This is an attributed company figure, not an independently audited inventory or evidence that all 30,000 terminals were already processing Tap-to-Pay transactions.
Safaricom separately said Scan-to-Pay was already available at more than 60,000 merchant outlets and set a target of 500,000 outlets within the next year. Those figures concern Scan-to-Pay reach and a company target; they do not measure adoption or transaction volume for the new Tap-to-Pay flow.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- 【Universal Compatibility】 - The MDB Payment Device to PC Converter is designed to connect a variety of MDB devices such as acceptors, bill receivers, and card readers effortlessly. It offers seamless integration with any vending equipment compliant with MDB specifications, ensuring versatility in your payment solutions.
- 【User-Friendly Interface】 - This USB adapter features a straightforward setup process. Simply connect it to your computer, and the adapter transforms MDB protocols into RS-232 serial protocols. This allows for easy communication between your vending machine and your PC, simplifying operations while providing reliable performance.
- 【Enhanced Control】 - With capabilities to control up to eight MDB-compatible devices simultaneously, this converter enhances your management efficiency. Whether you’re handling dispensers or bill acceptors, experience effective monitoring and command over your vending machine operations like never before.
- 【Robust Functionality】 - The MDB-PC USB converter supports a variety of interfaces, including cash interfaces (10H and 60H) and USD interfaces (40H). This broad support mechanism ensures compatibility across multiple configurations, making it an ideal solution for complex setups.
- 【Comprehensive Package】 - Each converter comes complete with required cables, a user guide, and a user agreement, providing everything you need for successful installation. Designed for easy implementation, enjoy a plug-and-play experience with reliable support for all essential MDB functions.
How is this different from AI Pay?
AI Pay is a separate My OneApp feature mentioned in the same announcement, not a function of Pesapal’s POS. It can scan a printed or handwritten receipt and, when readable details are available, identify Till or PayBill information and the amount for the customer. That differs from Scan-to-Pay, which uses a QR code displayed on the terminal, and Tap-to-Pay, which uses NFC between the phone and terminal.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What has not been established about the new flows?
- Phone and software compatibility: The launch coverage gives no complete device, operating-system or app-version list.
- Fees: The reports do not provide a complete fee schedule for customers or merchants.
- Speed, errors and security comparisons: The reports provide no independent measurements of transaction time, error rates or comparative security. Pesapal founder Agosta Liko described the service as delivering “faster, error-free transactions”; that is a company claim, not an independently measured result.
- Testing evidence: TechCabal reported six months of testing, but did not give the methodology, sample size or independent results.
The announcement and launch coverage are dated 1 October 2026 and concern Kenya. Availability depends on a compatible Pesapal terminal and, for Tap-to-Pay, an NFC-enabled phone; the published information does not support assuming the feature is available at every M-PESA merchant.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatibility - This POS display stand is compatible for Pax A35, Pax S300. Note: Please carefully confirm the POS machine model before purchasing.
- Easy Installation - Installs quickly using the included type adhesive tape or can be permanently installed to any surface via a drilled hole and bolt mount. And can be removed by heating the area with a hairdryer and using string/thread to detach it if needed.
- Adjustable Card Terminal Mount - The 360-degree swivel allows cashiers to effortlessly turn the device left and right to assist customers without leaving their side, while the 65-degree tilt ensures the terminal is positioned at the optimal angle for various counter heights.
- Commercial Strength - Steel construction gives this universal POS stand durability for use as counter payment terminal in almost any setting.
- Perfect Height - The Pax A35 credit card payment machine stands' ideal height of 4.7" is designed for optimal counter alignment. It provides ample clearance for card insertion and can be adjusted using the tilt feature. Once the perfect tilt angle is set, secure it in place with the included Allen key and wrench to prevent unwanted movement.
Rank #4
- Effortless payments and printing: Accept card payments and print payment receipts on the spot with the built-in 40 mm thermal printer.
- Faster sales processing: Use pre-set menus and catalogs to make transactions faster and smoother for you and your customers.
- Reliable and portable: Featuring a 6.5" HD touchscreen made from Corning Gorilla Glass and a powerful battery that lasts all day.
- Seamless connectivity: Stay connected with free mobile data and WiFi, ensuring uninterrupted transactions.
- Real-time payment tracking: Monitor payments and issue refunds right from your device, so you're always in control.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
