How to Receive Mpesa Payments on a Website

M-pesa is now used by millions of people in Kenya. If you run a website or e-commerce store, it makes sense to integrate M-pesa payments on your website. There are several ways to achieve and this article examines two of the most popular methods currently available.

Method 1 - Apply for a Lipa Na Mpesa Till Number

This is the easiest way to request receive M-pesa payments on a website. It doesn't require any technical know-how. All you need to do is apply for an M-pesa Till Number from a Safaricom Dealer near you and then publish the Till Number on your website. When online buyers are "checking out" they complete an online form and then make payment. You then crosscheck the mobile number and M-pesa name, with the name and number they use to register on your website to verify the purchase.

The only drawback with this method is that it isn't automated. If you are selling digital goods, this is a cumbersome process that can actually damage your brand.

Method 2 - Use an M-pesa Payment Gateway

Depending on the Content Management System you use on your website, a payment gateway can be very easy or quite difficult to set up. There are several straightforward payment gateway plugins that run on WordPress. This method is, therefore, strictly for WordPress websites.

The suitability of the plugin will depend on the WordPress theme you are running. You may need to undertake some trial and error before you settle on an appropriate plugin for your WordPress Setup. Check out the pages below for more information.

• Pesapal Gateway for Woocommerce - best option as reported by most people.

• Pesapal Pay

• TheBunch KE Pesapal Gateway for Woocommerce

• Woocommerce Pesapal Standard Payment Gateway

• Jambopay WooCommerce Payment Gateway

Tips & Warnings
There are other more technical methods to get it done but unless you are a techie, we recommend these two methods. If they don't work for you, hire an expert to set up M-pesa payments on your website.