In an exciting development in the realm of mobile money transfer, Nairobi Water Company and Safaricom, the leading mobile service provider in Kenya, have formed a partnership. This collaboration allows Nairobi residents to conveniently pay their water bills using the M-Pesa service. Only customers who receive water from Nairobi Water Company can utilize the M-Pesa service for bill payments, eliminating the need to physically visit the company's offices.

Safaricom and Nairobi Water Company have officially signed an agreement that enables their customers to settle their water bills effectively and efficiently through the M-Pesa mobile money transfer service. Michael Joseph, the CEO of Safaricom, emphasized that this partnership aims to enhance service delivery for their customers.

Previously, customers who received water from Nairobi Water Company had to make payments at any of the over 18 outlets scattered across the city, leading to long queues, especially during peak times. Safaricom has also collaborated with other companies, such as KPLC, to improve efficiency in utility bill payments.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pay water bills using M-Pesa:

  1. Access the MPESA menu on your mobile phone and select "PAY BILL."
  2. Enter the Nairobi Water Company (NWC) business number: 444400.
  3. Input your complete Nairobi Water Company account number.
  4. Specify the amount you intend to pay for your water bill.
  5. Enter your M-Pesa secret PIN.
  6. Confirm the transaction and wait for the confirmation message from M-Pesa.

To obtain information about your outstanding water bill, send an SMS with your full account number to the Nairobi Water Company short code: 5571.

M-Pesa, originally designed as a mobile money transfer service, has expanded its scope to simplify bill payments for major utility companies. The CEO expressed enthusiasm about this partnership and the benefits it brings to their customers. Paying water bills via M-Pesa will alleviate the long queues at Nairobi Water Company outlets, saving customers time and effort.

It is important to note that, currently, the option to pay water bills through M-Pesa is only applicable to Nairobi residents receiving metered water from Nairobi Water Company. Other water companies are yet to join this initiative. Technological advancements in Africa will continue to foster innovation and bring forth new ideas to cater to the needs of the population.