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.