How to Claim M-PESA Funds of Deceased Relatives: A Step-by-Step Guide

M-PESA Next of Kin Claim

If a M-PESA subscriber dies, their next of kin can claim the funds in their account. The next of kin is the person who is closest to the deceased in terms of blood relationship.

To claim the funds, the next of kin must visit a Safaricom retail center and provide the following documents:

  • The next of kin’s ID
  • The deceased person’s death certificate
  • A statutory declaration (affidavit) stating that the next of kin is the deceased person’s closest living relative
  • A letter from the provincial administration confirming the next of kin’s relationship to the deceased person

If the amount in the deceased person’s M-PESA account is less than 30,000 Kenyan shillings, the next of kin can claim the funds without having to obtain a grant of probate or letters of administration. However, if the amount is more than 30,000 Kenyan shillings, the next of kin must obtain a grant of probate or letters of administration before they can claim the funds.

A grant of probate is a legal document that gives the executor of a will the authority to distribute the deceased person’s assets. Letters of administration are a legal document that gives the administrator of an estate the authority to distribute the deceased person’s assets if they did not leave a will.

To obtain a grant of probate or letters of administration, the next of kin must file a petition with the High Court. The petition must include the following information:

  • The deceased person’s name
  • The deceased person’s date of death
  • The deceased person’s assets
  • The next of kin’s relationship to the deceased person

The High Court will then appoint an executor or administrator to distribute the deceased person’s assets. Once the executor or administrator has been appointed, they will contact the next of kin and arrange for the transfer of funds from the deceased person’s M-PESA account.

Claim of funds requirements

The following are the requirements for claiming funds from a deceased person’s M-PESA account:

  • Next of kin claims:
    • Amount between 1 – 30,000:
      • Duly filled Safaricom next of kin claims form
      • Death Certificate
      • Original Registration document of Claimant i.e. Alien ID, National ID, Valid Passport or Military ID
      • The claimant should present either of the below:
        • Affidavit (identifying the claimant) and 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
    • The amount between 1 – 200,000:
      • Duly filled Safaricom next of kin claims form
      • Death Certificate
      • Original Registration document of Claimant i.e. Alien ID, National ID, Valid Passport or Military ID
      • Letter from either of the below:
        • Deputy County Commissioner or County Commissioner OR
        • Public Trustee OR
        • Letters of Administration/Grant of Probate
    • The amount above 200,000:
      • Duly filled Safaricom next of kin claims form
      • Death Certificate
      • Original Registration document of Claimant i.e. Alien ID, National ID, Valid Passport or Military ID
      • Letters of Administration/Grant of Probate
  • Recycled line claims:
    • Original Registration document of Claimant
    • Duly filled Safaricom Recycled line claims form
  • Mentally incapacitated:
    • Court Order
    • Original Registration document of Claimant
    • Original Registration document of the Incapacitated customer
  • Change of Ownership (Deceased customer line):
    • Original Death Certificate.
    • Original Registration document of Claimant i.e. Alien ID, National ID, Valid Passport or Military ID
    • Confirmed grant of probate OR Confirmed letters of administration
    • Duly filled Safaricom form by claimant
  • Change of Ownership (Line in use):
    • Original registration document of the current owner (vetting will be applicable if not present at the retail shop)
    • Original Registration document of Claimant i.e. Alien ID, National ID, Valid Passport or Military ID, and Claimant must personally present themselves at the retail shop
    • Duly filled Safaricom form by both parties
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