Introduction:
In the unfortunate event of someone's passing, it is possible to claim the funds available in their M-Pesa account if they have designated you as their next of kin. This article provides a step-by-step procedure on how to make a next of kin claim for M-Pesa funds.

Understanding Next of Kin: 
Next of kin refers to the closest living blood relative of an individual, whom Safaricom may contact in case of any eventuality. It is also possible for a legal representative to claim M-Pesa deposits if authorized to handle the estate of the deceased person.

Awareness of Unclaimed M-Pesa Deposits: 
Many people are unaware of unclaimed M-Pesa deposits left behind by their deceased relatives. Similar to assets held in banks, Saccos, and insurance companies, M-Pesa deposits are financial assets that often go unnoticed. However, with the growing popularity of Safaricom and mobile money usage, the funds left in M-Pesa accounts can be significant.

Documents Required for Making a Claim: 
  1. To successfully claim funds left in an M-Pesa account, several documents are necessary due to the sensitive nature of finance and death. The claimant must physically visit one of Safaricom's retail centers with the required documents. The following documentation is typically needed:ID of the claimant: National identification card of the person claiming the deceased funds.
  2. Death Certificate: A government document that confirms the passing of the M-Pesa account owner.
  3. Statutory Declaration (Affidavit): A document witnessed by an advocate commissioner for oaths, stating the claimant's relationship to the deceased and other relevant facts.
  4. Grant of Letters of Administration (interstate): A legal document obtained from a probate and administration court, issued when a person is authorized to act as a legal representative for the estate of a deceased person who did not leave a will.
  5. Grant of Probate: A legal document issued by the court to the executor of the estate of a deceased person who left a will, outlining the distribution of the estate and appointing a personal representative.
  6. Confirmation of Grant of Probate or Confirmation of Grant of Letters of Administration: A document issued by a court that confirms the beneficiaries and their entitlement to portions of the deceased person's estate.
  7. Letter from the Provincial administration: A letter from the chief, DC, or PC confirming specific details about the deceased person and their beneficiaries.
Claim Procedure for Next of Kin: 
As a next of kin claimant, follow these steps at a Safaricom retail center:
  1. Present your National Identification Card.
  2. Provide the deceased person's death certificate.
  3. Submit a Statutory Declaration (Affidavit).
  4. Furnish a letter from the provincial administration, or confirmation of Grant of Letters of Administration (interstate), or confirmation of Grant of Probate.
After verifying the documents, Safaricom will be officially notified of the subscriber's passing and freeze the M-Pesa account to protect the estate of the deceased. If everything is in order, the funds will be transferred to the entitled beneficiaries, who must also have M-Pesa accounts.

Categories of Next of Kin Claims: The required documentation for making a claim may vary based on the amount available in the deceased person's M-Pesa account. Here are the breakdowns:

i. Amount between 1 – 30,000:
  • Duly filled Safaricom next of kin claims form.
  • Original Death Certificate.
  • Valid identification of the claimant.
  • Affidavit (identifying the claimant) and a letter from chief/Assistant Chief, or letter from Deputy County Commissioner or County Commissioner, or letter from Public Trustee, or Letters of Administration/Grant of Probate.

ii. Amount between 1 – 200,000:

  • Duly filled Safaricom next of kin claims form.
  • Death Certificate.
  • Original Registration document of the claimant.
  • Letter from Deputy County Commissioner or County Commissioner, or letter from Public Trustee, or Letters of Administration/Grant of Probate.

iii. Amount above 200,000:

  • Duly filled Safaricom next of kin claims form.
  • Death Certificate.
  • Original Registration document of the claimant.
  • Letters of Administration/Grant of Probate.


Claims Due to Mental Incapacity:
In cases where a loved one is mentally incapacitated, specific documents are required to make a claim:
  • Court Order.
  • Original Registration document of the claimant.
  • Original Registration document of the incapacitated customer.
Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA): 
If M-Pesa funds remain unclaimed, Safaricom has the obligation to hand them over to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA). This occurs when a subscriber passes away and no one claims the funds or when a Safaricom line is abandoned with funds in the M-Pesa account. Safaricom archives the M-Pesa account and returns the line to circulation.

The funds held in the accounts of deceased individuals and archived lines due to abandonment are kept for a period of two years from the date of archiving. After this period, Safaricom submits the archived funds to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority. The authority then conducts a search for the rightful owners or their heirs, especially in cases where the owners are deceased. Claiming the funds directly from the authority is also possible.

It is important to set your next of kin on your M-Pesa account to ensure a smooth transfer of funds to your beneficiaries in the event of your passing. To do this, dial the USSD *234#, select "My Mpesa Information," and then choose "Next of Kin."

By following the necessary procedures and providing the required documentation, you can successfully claim M-Pesa funds as the next of kin. Safaricom's commitment to handling these claims ensures that the rightful beneficiaries receive the funds left behind, providing financial support during difficult times.