Can Safaricom users pay for goods and services using data bundles instead of M-Pesa?
By Katemarthason Okudo, August 7, 2026Safaricom customers can now use eligible data bundles to pay for selected goods and services through the company’s Lipa na Data service, offering subscribers a new way to make payments without using cash or M-Pesa.
The service allows customers to convert qualifying data bundles into payment value when paying merchants that accept Lipa na Data. It marks a shift from the traditional use of data solely for internet access, giving eligible subscribers another way to benefit from their unused bundles.
According to Safaricom, the service is available to customers with Neo (non-expiry) bundles, Go-Monthly PostPay data bundles, and those on Karibu PostPay DIY data plans.
What is Lipa na Data?
Lipa na Data is a payment service that enables eligible Safaricom customers to pay for goods and services using their data bundles instead of cash or M-Pesa. Rather than spending money from an M-Pesa wallet, customers can use the value of their qualifying data bundles to complete transactions with merchants that support the service.
However, not every Safaricom bundle qualifies. The feature is limited to specific data plans, meaning customers using other bundle packages may not be able to access the service.
According to Safaricom, the conversion rate for the service is Ksh0.06 per MB, meaning the value of the payment is calculated based on the amount of data used during the transaction.
How to use Lipa na Data
Customers can access the service by dialling 544# and selecting Option 0, or by using the direct code *544*34#. They should then choose Lipa na Data, select either Buy Goods or PayBill, and follow the prompts to complete the payment.
The process includes PIN confirmation before the transaction is authorised, after which the customer receives an SMS notification confirming the payment.
What can customers pay for?
Safaricom says Lipa na Data can be used to make payments to participating merchants through Buy Goods or PayBill. Eligible transactions include:
1. Payment for fibre services.
2. Payment of post-paid bills.
3. Purchase of devices from authorised retail centres.
4. Payment for telematic services.
5. Conversion of data to roaming data.
6. Payment for eligible post-paid products.
7. Sambaza services.
Customers should confirm that the merchant accepts Lipa na Data before attempting to pay using the service.
How to check your remaining data balance
Before making a payment, customers can check whether they have enough qualifying data bundles. To do this, dial *544#, select Lipa na Data, then choose View Bundles to see the remaining balance available for transactions.
If the available data is not enough to cover the payment, the system will notify the customer. They will then be required to purchase additional eligible bundles or reduce the transaction amount before trying again.
Can data be converted into cash?
Although Lipa na Data allows customers to pay merchants using data, Safaricom says the bundles cannot be converted into cash. The service is strictly meant for payments to merchants that support Lipa na Data and cannot be used to withdraw money or transfer cash to another person.
Safaricom also says there are no additional charges for using the service.
How secure is the service?
According to Safaricom, Lipa na Data uses the company’s existing security systems to protect customers during transactions. Payments require PIN confirmation, and customers receive SMS notifications after every successful transaction, helping them keep track of their spending and detect any unauthorised activity.
As digital payment options continue to evolve, Lipa na Data offers eligible Safaricom subscribers another way to use their data bundles beyond internet browsing. However, customers should first confirm that they are on a supported data plan and that the merchant accepts the service before making a payment.