Kenyan telecommunication services companies Safaricom, Airtel Kenya and Telkom Kenya have each waived their fees for mobile money transactions less than Kshs 1,000 (US$10).

This follows an appeal from President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday, calling for a reduction in prices to enable more Kenyans to embrace cashless transactions, minimise contact and help stem the spread of the Coronavirus.

This move will positively affect the over 30 million subscribers on mobile money in Kenya.

In a statement issued by Safaricom, the company’s CEO Michael Joseph said: “It was agreed that all person-to-person transactions below Kshs 1,000 shall be free. This means that from tomorrow morning, M-Pesa users will be able to send any amount below Kshs 1,000 for free over the next 90 days.”

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved the move and also allowed the telcos to increase limit amounts as a lock-down on many services looms.

“To support this, and in particular small and micro business (SMEs), CBK has also approved the increase of daily M-Pesa transaction limits form the current Kshs 70,000 to Kshs 150,000. Kenyan will also be able to transact up to Kshs 300,000 up from the current limit of Kshs 140,000 and hold up to Kshs 300,000 in their M-Pesa wallets,” the statement continues.

Safaricom and Airtel Kenya also supported the National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus by availing a toll free number where Kenyans can find out information about the virus and also report suspected infections.