Makao and Little are the latest applications to be added to the M-Pesa app as “mini-apps”.
Dubbed a “Super App”, the M-Pesa app was launched last year with not only the usual M-Pesa services that Kenyans have known and used, previously on the mySafaricom application, but also a whole set of new features that includes a provision for accessing other apps within the app.
Located in the M-Pesa app’s ‘Discover’ section, the mini-apps range from service industry providers to utilities.
Recently, Kenya’s social security fund and pay-TV service DStv have added their respective apps to the M-Pesa app.
This makes it easy for users, who would otherwise need to access different sites or download and install several separate apps, access everything in one place and making payments from a central place.
Makao is a hospitality industry booking service linking users of the M-Pesa app with accommodation and holiday/vacation facilities while Little is a renowned transport provider that has diversified its product portfolio to include food deliveries, movie bookings, utility bill payments and more.
Given that the Little app one can download from the Play Store is a super app, perhaps the country’s first proper super app, the one that has made its way to the M-Pesa app’s ‘Discover’ section as a mini-app is just the ride-hailing component, linking users of the M-Pesa app with hundreds of cabs and motorcycle taxis (bodabodas) in a simple and easy-to-use interface.
“As part of the launch, all customers who use the Little M-PESA Mini App will get KSh. 300 off their first two rides for the next one month. Customers who use the Makao M-PESA Mini App will get 15% off on stays booked for the next one month, while the first 10 customers to book rentals in Mombasa will be awarded with free yacht rides,” a statement from Safaricom sent to newsrooms yesterday reads.
The addition of the Makao and Little mini-apps brings to 25 the total number of mini-apps available on the M-Pesa app.
Safaricom is looking to add as mini-apps apps from over 100 businesses and companies cutting across all spheres, from those providing government services to those offering retail services and more.
