Quick answer: Apply for a Lipa na M-Pesa Buy Goods till through Safaricom’s M-PESA for Business portal (or a Safaricom shop). You usually need your National ID, KRA PIN and, for a business till that settles to a bank, a bank letter or cancelled cheque; registered businesses also provide registration documents. Very small sellers can start with Pochi la Biashara on their own line (dial *334#), which needs no paperwork. Check the current requirements on Safaricom’s official channels before you apply.

Till vs Pochi la Biashara vs Paybill

Documents Usually Needed

• National ID (or passport) of the owner/administrator.
• KRA PIN certificate (get one free: see our KRA PIN guide).
• Bank letter or cancelled cheque if settling to a bank account.
• Business registration certificate for registered businesses (see our business registration guide).
• A Safaricom line registered in your name.

Steps to Apply

1. Gather the documents above as clear scans or photos.
2. Go to Safaricom’s M-PESA for Business portal and choose Buy Goods (Till).
3. Choose your business type (individual, sole proprietor or company) and fill in the form.
4. Upload documents and submit.
5. Wait for SMS confirmation with your till number; set up the administrator and operator access.
6. Print your till number clearly and display it where customers pay.

Charges

Safaricom charges merchants a small fee on some payments, depending on the product and amount. Check the current tariff in the M-PESA for Business portal before choosing an option.

Tips for Running a Till

• Keep business money separate from personal money.
• Check every payment SMS before releasing goods; fake SMS messages are a common trick.
• Download statements monthly for records and taxes.
• Never share your PIN or start key with staff.

Sell Online Too

Customers can also order from you any time with M-Pesa checkout in a free Buy More Mall shop.

Example: From Pochi to a Till

A mitumba seller starts with Pochi la Biashara on her own line so business money stays separate. When sales grow and she rents a stall, she registers a business name, gets a KRA PIN certificate, and applies for a Buy Goods till. She prints the till number big and clear on a board at the stall and checks every payment SMS before handing over goods.

Quick Checklist

• ID and KRA PIN ready
• Correct business type chosen
• Till number displayed
• Statements downloaded monthly

Your First 30 Days

1. Week 1: start with Pochi la Biashara if you are testing a side hustle.
2. Week 2: get your KRA PIN and gather documents.
3. Week 3: apply for a Buy Goods till.
4. Week 4: display your till, record daily sales and reconcile with your statement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing personal and business money.
• Releasing goods on a fake SMS.
• Paying "agents" who promise faster till approval.
• Not keeping statements for tax.

Stay safe: never pay a "registration", "activation" or "withdrawal" fee to get paid, and never share your password or M-Pesa PIN. Real online income comes from people paying for your content, products or skills.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an M-Pesa till number?

Apply on Safaricom’s M-PESA for Business portal or at a Safaricom shop with your ID, KRA PIN and the documents your business type needs.

Can an individual get a till number?

Yes. Individuals and sole proprietors can apply; very small sellers can also use Pochi la Biashara.

What is Pochi la Biashara?

A free business wallet on your own M-Pesa line, opened by dialling *334#, that keeps business payments separate.

How long does till approval take?

Often a few working days when documents are complete.

What is the difference between a till and a paybill?

A till takes simple payments; a paybill uses account numbers for bills.

Cover photo: M-Pesa shops on a busy street. Photo: M-Pesa by Brian Harries, CC BY 2.0.