How to Use MPESA Sokoni: A Guide for Kenyan Small Business Owners and Hustlers

How to Use MPESA Sokoni: A Guide for Kenyan Small Business Owners and Hustlers

Introduction

In 2025, Safaricom launched MPESA Sokon a digital marketplace and nationwide festival aiming to support Kenyan entrepreneurs. Whether you're selling secondhand clothes in Gikomba or making handmade cosmetics in Eldoret, Sokoni gives you a platform to showcase products, get discovered, and receive payments—all through MPESA. Here’s how it works, how to join, and how to stand out.

1. What is MPESA Sokoni?

MPESA Sokoni is an online marketplace powered by Safaricom’s MPESA platform. It allows Kenyan vendors to register, upload product listings, and reach millions of customers directly on their phones. Unlike Jumia or Facebook Marketplace, Sokoni is MPESA-integrated, meaning transactions are secure and instant.

At the same time, Safaricom is running Sokoni Festivals—events across major counties to showcase vendors, offer tech demos, give away prizes, and bring communities together.

2. Who Can Use MPESA Sokoni?

If you have:

•A Safaricom MPESA number

•A Kenyan national ID

•Products or services to sell…then you can join Sokoni.

The platform is ideal for:

*Small business owners

*Hustlers selling goods via WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok

*Market traders

*Home-based vendors and creatives

3. How to Register and Start Selling

There are two main ways to register:

Option 1: In-Person at a Sokoni Festival

Safaricom agents help onboard vendors during festival events in counties like Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, etc.

Bring your national ID and product samples/photos.

Option 2: Online Registration (Coming Soon)

A web portal or USSD short code is expected soon

You’ll input your:

•Business name

•Product category

•Lipa na MPESA details

•Clear photos of your products

4. What Makes Sokoni Different?

MPESA Sokoni isn’t just an online shop—it’s a community-powered experience. Features include:

✅ Verified vendor pages

✅ Payment through Lipa na MPESA

✅ Exposure during Safaricom promotions and festivals

✅ “Deals Kuruka” discount offers

✅ Direct links you can share on social media

✅ Opportunity to win prizes or feature on Safaricom platforms

5. Benefits of Using MPESA Sokoni

🛍️ Reach thousands of potential buyers across Kenya

💸 Instant, safe payments via MPESA

📲 Mobile-first interface that’s easy to use even without a laptop

🔒 Vendor verification builds trust

🎤 Festival events bring foot traffic and visibility

6. Challenges to Consider

❗ Competition: You must stand out among many vendors

🖼️ Image quality matters: Poor photos = fewer buyers

📦 Delivery logistics are up to you (unless stated otherwise)

🧾 Transaction fees may apply depending on your plan

7. Pro Tips for Success on MPESA Sokoni

•Use clear product titles with keywords (e.g., “Ladies Ankara Dress – Nairobi”)

•Upload bright, clean photos with simple backgrounds

•Offer fair prices + bundle deals

•Respond quickly to customer chats

•Promote your Sokoni page on WhatsApp status, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram

•Attend Sokoni festivals to meet buyers, partners, and Safaricom agents

Conclusion: Is MPESA Sokoni Worth It?

Absolutely. For zero rent, no middlemen, and direct access to customers all over Kenya, MPESA Sokoni is a game-changer—especially for youth, mama mbogas, and hustlers going digital. If you’re ready to grow your business using just your phone, Sokoni is your next step.