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How I Integrated M-PESA in Multiple Platforms Using Safaricom’s Daraja API

How I integrated M-PESA using Daraja API across platforms like BookFast, Madukani, and FungaDeal — with secure STK Push and real-time confirmation.

How I Integrated M-PESA in Multiple Platforms Using Safaricom’s Daraja API

In Kenya, M-PESA is the most trusted and widely used mobile money solution. Whether I’m building e-commerce platforms, booking apps, or freelance marketplaces, M-PESA is always a core part of the payment strategy.

In this blog post, I’ll share how I’ve successfully integrated M-PESA into several client projects using Safaricom’s Daraja API, and how it has improved user trust, conversion rates, and platform success.


📲 Why M-PESA Integration Matters

  • It’s local. Over 90% of Kenyans use M-PESA.
  • It’s mobile-first. Perfect for platforms accessed via phone.
  • It’s fast. Real-time STK Push means instant payment confirmation.
  • It builds trust. Local users feel safer paying with M-PESA over cards.

⚙️ M-PESA Daraja API Basics

I work with Safaricom’s Daraja API, which supports:

  • STK Push: Triggers a payment prompt on the user’s mobile device.
  • C2B (Customer to Business): For receiving payments.
  • B2C (Business to Customer): For sending funds, e.g., withdrawals.
  • Webhooks: Real-time payment confirmation via callback URLs.

🧩 Where I Integrated M-PESA

BookFast.co.ke

  • Users book spa services online and confirm via M-PESA STK Push.
  • Payments are confirmed instantly before booking is finalized.

Madukani.co.ke

  • WordPress + WooCommerce store with M-PESA plugin.
  • Customers check out smoothly using mobile money.

WritersAdmin.com & DoMyStudy.com

  • Freelance clients deposit into escrow via M-PESA.
  • Writers withdraw earnings directly to their phones.

FungaDeal.com

  • Users pay to promote or feature ads.
  • Instant confirmation updates the ad's visibility.

🔧 Tech Approach

For Laravel apps:

  • I use Guzzle or Laravel HTTP clients to make API requests.
  • Create routes for STK initiation and callback verification.
  • Log responses and store payment status in MySQL.

For WordPress:

  • I use trusted M-PESA plugins or custom code depending on complexity.
  • Some integrations include M-PESA + WooCommerce + order status logic.

🔐 Security Measures

  • Token refresh system to handle expired access tokens.
  • Validation on phone numbers and amounts before initiating STK Push.
  • Logging and error handling to track failed transactions and retries.

🚀 Final Results

  • Increased trust and user satisfaction.
  • Faster checkout and booking flows.
  • Reduced cart abandonment for online stores.
  • More local sales due to familiar payment options.

Want M-PESA integrated into your platform? I’ll help you do it securely and efficiently. Contact me here or visit davidmboya.com for more.

M-PESA Integration, Daraja API, Kenya Payments, Mobile Money, Laravel Payments, STK Push, David Mboya, Payment Gateway, WordPress Payments, PHP Integration
2 min read
Mar 15, 2025
By David Mboya
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