Pochi la Biashara is one of Safaricom’s most powerful tools for small business owners, side hustlers, and vendors across Kenya. If you want to receive payments separately from your personal MPESA account, then this guide will show you how to register Pochi la Biashara, how it works, how to send and receive money, and the exact steps to get started.
What is Pochi la Biashara?
Pochi la Biashara is a free mobile wallet by Safaricom designed for informal and small businesses in Kenya. It allows you to:
- Receive customer payments into a separate wallet
- Avoid mixing business and personal funds
- Operate a business without registering a till or paybill
This is perfect for mama mboga, boda boda riders, mitumba sellers, salonists, and anyone in business.
How to Register Pochi la Biashara via USSD
Dial
*334#on your Safaricom lineThis USSD code gives you access to all M-PESA services, including business tools.
Select “Pochi la Biashara”
You’ll see it listed as one of the main service options. Choose it to proceed.
Choose “Join” or “Opt-In”
This tells Safaricom you want to activate a business wallet linked to your line.
Accept the Terms & Conditions
Read and agree to the legal and operational terms of using the service.
Pick Your Business Category
You’ll be asked to select a category that matches your hustle — such as:
1. Retail (e.g., shop, kiosk)
2.Transport (e.g., boda boda)
3.Services (e.g., salon, cleaning)
How to Register Pochi la Biashara via MySafaricom App
- Open the MySafaricom App
- Go to M-PESA → Pochi la Biashara
- Tap Activate
- Follow the on-screen prompts
You don’t need a business permit, KRA PIN, or registration certificate.
How Does Pochi la Biashara Work?
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Once registered:
- Customers send payments via Lipa na MPESA → Pochi la Biashara
- You receive money directly into a business wallet
- You get SMS confirmations for every transaction
- You can withdraw, pay suppliers, or check balance via USSD
How to Send and Receive Money Using Pochi la Biashara
How Customers Pay You:
- Go to Lipa na MPESA
- Select Pochi la Biashara
- Enter your phone number
- Enter amount and confirm
How to Send Money From Pochi to M-PESA:
- Dial
*334# → Pochi la Biashara → Send Money or Withdraw - Choose To M-PESA
- Enter amount and confirm
This is useful when settling bills or transferring funds to your personal wallet.
Pochi la Biashara Charges & Limits
| Action | Charge |
|---|---|
| Receive payments | Free |
| Send to M-PESA | Standard M-PESA fees apply |
| Withdraw from agent | M-PESA agent fees apply |
| Airtime resale | Earn 5% commission |
| Max transaction limit | KSh 250,000 per transaction |
| Daily wallet limit | KSh 500,000 |
Pochi la Biashara Loans – Can You Get a Loan?
As of 2025, Pochi la Biashara does not directly offer loans, but Safaricom may use your business transaction history to determine eligibility for services like Fuliza ya Biashara or M-Shwari for Business in future.
Other Useful Actions with Pochi la Biashara
- Check balance:
*334# → Pochi la Biashara → Check Balance - View mini statement:
*334# → Mini Statement - Withdraw cash:
*334# → Withdraw → Agent - Buy airtime for resale:
*334# → Buy Airtime
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Optimized for: how to access, how to get, how to join, send money, registration
Is registration for Pochi la Biashara free?
There are no charges to register, and no monthly maintenance fees.
Can I use both Pochi and M-PESA on the same number?
You’ll have two wallets under one Safaricom line.
What if someone sends money to my personal M-PESA?
The money will go to your M-PESA, not your business wallet. Tell customers to always use Lipa na MPESA → Pochi la Biashara.
How do I reverse a payment made to the wrong Pochi number?
Forward the M-PESA message to 456
Or call Safaricom customer care (100)How can I withdraw money from Pochi?
Use
*334# → Pochi → Withdraw → To M-PESAor go to a nearby M-PESA agent.Can I have more than one Pochi account?
No. Only one Pochi la Biashara account per national ID is allowed.
How do I exit Pochi la Biashara?
Dial
*334# → Pochi → My Account → Leave this service. Any balance will be transferred to your M-PESA.Can I access Pochi la Biashara loans?
Not directly. Loans are not currently available under Pochi. Safaricom may integrate this in the future using transaction history.
Final Tips for Business Owners
- Always display your Pochi number at your shop
- Use WhatsApp or SMS to guide customers on how to pay
- Track business income using mini statements
- Use Pochi to maintain clear business records
Summary
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Register | *334# → Pochi → Join |
| Receive payment | Lipa na MPESA → Pochi |
| Send to M-PESA | *334# → Withdraw/Send |
| Withdraw at Agent | Direct from Pochi wallet |
| Check balance | *334# → Check Balance |
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