MPESA transaction rates increased in new changes

By Peter Ochieng

Telecommunications company Safaricom has announced changes in pricing of various services, so as to be in tandem with the Finance Act, 2023.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal lifted orders against enactment of the Act, setting in motion it's full implementation.

Safaricom in a statement said, "Following the enactment into law of the Finance Act 2023 and the Court of Appeal ruling on 28th July 2023, effective 29th July 2023, we will be reviewing our call, SMS, data, fibre, M-Pesa pricing to reflect the increase in excise duty rate on fees charged on mobile money transfer services from 12% to 15% and the decrease in excise duty rate in telecommunication services (call, SMS, data and fibre) from 20% to 15%."

The notice is published in local dailies. Yesterday, the Court of Appeal lifted conservatory orders barring the implementation of the Act.

The ruling came on the backdrop of an appeal by the government, after High Court Judge Mugure Thande gave an order suspending implementation of the Act.

The initial case against the Act was filed by Busia Senator Okoiti Okiyah Omtatah.