Pochi La Biashara registration is one of the easiest ways for Kenyan small businesses to receive customer payments safely without mixing personal M-Pesa money with business funds. Many entrepreneurs use it because it is simple, fast, and doesn’t require a business permit to get started.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to register, the requirements, benefits, charges, limits, and how to manage your account professionally. The goal is to help you set up your Pochi La Biashara account correctly so you can run your business smoothly.
What is Pochi La Biashara?
Pochi La Biashara is an M-Pesa service designed for small and micro-business owners who want to separate business payments from their personal M-Pesa wallet. It is ideal for:
- Small shop owners
- Food vendors
- Hawkers
- Boda boda riders
- Freelancers
- Home-based businesses
- Social media sellers
With this service, your customers send money to you directly, and the funds go into a dedicated business pocket rather than into your personal M-Pesa balance.
Why Pochi La Biashara Was Introduced
For a long time, many small traders used their personal M-Pesa numbers for business transactions. This created problems:
- Difficulty tracking business income
- Personal money mixing with business cash
- Higher risk of reversals
- Lack of a professional payment channel
Safaricom introduced Pochi La Biashara to solve these challenges and give small traders a simple business tool without the complexity of registering a Paybill or Till Number.
How to Register for Pochi La Biashara (Step-by-Step)
Pochi La Biashara registration is very easy and takes less than two minutes. You can register directly from your phone using M-Pesa.
Method 1 — Register via USSD
Step-by-step process:
- Dial *334# on your Safaricom line.
- Select M-Pesa.
- Choose Pochi La Biashara.
- Select Join Pochi La Biashara.
- Accept terms and conditions.
- Wait for a confirmation SMS.
Once you receive the SMS, your business pocket becomes active immediately.
Method 2 — Register via M-Pesa App
If you prefer the M-Pesa App:
- Open your M-Pesa App.
- Go to the Grow or Services section.
- Tap Pochi La Biashara.
- Select Register.
- Accept the terms and confirm.
The setup takes less than a minute.
Requirements for Pochi La Biashara Registration
One of the best things about this service is that it has very simple requirements:
- A valid Safaricom line
- A registered M-Pesa account
- Your national ID number
- No business permit required
- No CRB check
- No registration fee
This makes it perfect for new and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Key Features of Pochi La Biashara
Pochi La Biashara comes with several features that make business management easy:
1. Separate Business Wallet
Your personal and business funds do not mix.
2. Controlled Reversals
Customers cannot reverse money without your approval.
3. Daily and Monthly Statements
You can access transaction history for record-keeping.
4. Customer Payment Confirmation
Both you and the customer receive instant M-Pesa notifications.
5. Manage Business Expenses
Withdraw, send money, or buy goods directly from the business’s pocket.
Benefits of Using Pochi La Biashara
Pochi La Biashara is designed specifically for micro-entrepreneurs. Here are the main advantages:
Professionalism
Your customers see a business-friendly payment option.
Better Record-Keeping
Since business payments go to a dedicated account, you can easily track revenue.
Security Against Fraud
Reversals require your approval, reducing the risk of losing money.
No Registration Fees
You pay nothing to activate the service.
Fewer Requirements
A simple M-Pesa line is enough.
Ideal for Small and Mobile Businesses
From kiosks to online shop owners, it works for everyone.
How Customers Pay You Using Pochi La Biashara
Customers pay you just like a normal M-Pesa transaction:
- Go to Lipa Na M-Pesa.
- Choose Buy Goods and Services (or directly “Pochi La Biashara” depending on menu updates).
- Enter your phone number.
- Enter the amount.
- Confirm and pay.
You receive the money in your business pocket instantly.
Pochi La Biashara Charges and Transaction Limits
The charges are similar to normal M-Pesa “Send Money” fees, but the receiving merchant does not pay to receive money.
Typical costs:
- Receiving payments: Free
- Withdrawal charges: Same as personal M-Pesa withdrawal
- Sending money to another number: Standard M-Pesa charges
- Buy goods: Free
Transaction limits:
- Maximum per transaction: KSh 150,000
- Daily limit: Up to KSh 300,000
- Account limit: Follows M-Pesa wallet limits
These limits continue to improve as Safaricom updates the service.
Managing Your Pochi La Biashara Account
You can manage your account using USSD or the M-Pesa app.
Account management options include:
- Checking business balance
- Viewing statements
- Withdrawing to your personal M-Pesa
- Changing business name
- Opting out of the service
- Viewing transactions
Example USSD navigation:
- Dial *334#
- Select M-Pesa
- Choose Pochi La Biashara
- Manage available options
Who Should Use Pochi La Biashara?
This service works best for:
- Startups
- Side hustles
- Self-employed individuals
- Sole proprietors
- Business owners without a till
- Anyone receiving frequent customer payments
If your business is still small or you don’t want to handle Paybill or Till registration, then Pochi La Biashara is an excellent place to start.
Pochi La Biashara vs. Till Number (Lipa Na M-Pesa)
Feature | Pochi La Biashara | Lipa Na M-Pesa Till |
Registration | Instant | Requires documentation |
Cost | Free | Free |
Target Users | Small businesses | Established businesses |
Payment Reversals | Merchant approval required | The customer can request |
Statements | Yes | Yes |
Business Name | Uses phone number | Uses business name |
Pochi La Biashara is better for micro-businesses, while Till Numbers suits bigger or registered businesses.
How to Opt Out or Deregister
If you wish to stop using the service:
- Dial *334#
- Select M-Pesa
- Choose Pochi La Biashara
- Select Opt Out
- Confirm the request
Your account returns to normal M-Pesa usage.
Common Registration Problems and Solutions
1. “You are not allowed to join Pochi La Biashara.”
Your line may not be fully registered. Update your M-Pesa details at any Safaricom shop.
2. Menu not showing
Restart your phone or update your M-Pesa app.
3. Rejection due to wrong ID
Ensure your M-Pesa registration ID matches your physical ID.
Final Verdict: Is Pochi La Biashara Worth It?
Yes. Pochi La Biashara is one of the most convenient business tools for small traders in Kenya. It is simple, professional, secure, and free. Whether you run a small shop, an online store, or a side hustle, this service helps you manage business payments without stress.
If you want a proper business payment channel without applying for a Till Number, this is the best option to start with.
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Vincent Nyagaka is the founder of Chweya, where he breaks down complex financial topics into simple insights. A trader since 2015, he uses his market experience to help readers better understand investing, trading, and personal finance.
