Safaricom’s M-PESA system went offline briefly on Monday, April 7, 2025, causing a wave of frustration across Kenya. The mobile service provider had earlier announced a scheduled maintenance from 1:00 AM to 1:30 AM, promising improvements in service reliability. However, even a short M-PESA outage can feel like a lifetime in a country where the platform powers everyday transactions.
Scheduled Shutdown, Unexpected Reactions
While Safaricom did give prior notice of the 30-minute maintenance window, many Kenyans still felt the disruption. For a country that heavily depends on M-PESA for everything from paying bills to sending emergency funds, any downtime can cause panic.
Even though the update happened during non-peak hours, some users were caught off guard. Night-shift workers, small business owners, and even hospital patients who rely on quick payments were left stranded—unable to complete transactions.
Why the Outrage?
M-PESA is more than just a mobile money platform in Kenya. It’s a vital part of life. From paying for transport and groceries to topping up airtime or settling medical bills, it’s embedded into the daily lives of millions.
Although Safaricom explained that the outage was for system upgrades and better service, the fact that M-PESA went down—even briefly—left many worried and inconvenienced.
Kenyans took to social media, expressing their anger and confusion. Some even shared screenshots of failed transactions and vented their frustrations using hashtags like #MPESA, #Safaricom, and #MPESADown.
What Safaricom Said
Safaricom released a statement ahead of time, saying:
“To support innovations and growth, we will be conducting planned maintenance on M-PESA. The process will begin on Monday, April 7, from 1:00 AM to 1:30 AM. During this time, all M-PESA services will be unavailable. Other Safaricom services such as calls, SMS, and data will remain available.”
They also reassured users that the downtime was meant to enhance the overall experience and boost system reliability.
Kenyans React Online
Despite the early announcement, many still expressed frustration online:
“Why can’t Safaricom upgrade their systems without shutting us down?”
“Some of us work at night! We need M-PESA too!”
“Next time, give more reminders. Not everyone saw the message!”
Some even joked about being “broke by default” during the downtime.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t the first time Safaricom has temporarily shut down M-PESA for system upgrades. However, each time it happens, it reminds Kenyans just how dependent they are on the platform.
The incident has sparked discussions about whether it’s time for backup solutions or alternative mobile money platforms that can step in during such outages.
What You Can Do During M-PESA Outages
In case of another M-PESA shutdown, here are a few tips:
- Plan Ahead: If Safaricom announces maintenance, withdraw or send money early.
- Use Bank Apps: Link your M-PESA to a bank for easier transfers once services are back.
- Alternative Platforms: Consider having backup mobile wallets like Airtel Money or bank USSD options.
Conclusion
The temporary M-PESA shutdown on April 7 may have lasted only 30 minutes, but the public reaction showed how much Kenyans rely on the platform. While Safaricom continues to innovate and upgrade its systems, users hope future maintenance will be even more seamless—with less disruption to their financial lives.
As mobile money grows in importance, this brief outage is a reminder: Kenya’s digital economy needs stability, communication, and backup options. Until then, Kenyans can only hope the next M-PESA upgrade doesn’t come when they need it most. Stay tuned to Nairobi Gossip.
