When David Odhiambo arrived on Mfangano Island in 2009, he didn’t have the capital to start the business he really wanted to establish. So, he opened a small shop and began saving up until he could invest in something bigger.
With Ksh 20,000 in hand and the help of a Safaricom trade development representative, David opened his first M-PESA outlet at the Sena centre.
Business was brisk in those early days.
There were only two agents in the area, and demand for deposits and withdrawals far exceeded supply.
That humble start grew into a thriving livelihood. Through M-PESA, he’s managed to buy a motorbike, send his children to private school, and expand his reach across the island.
As his business grew, so did his role in the community. David began encouraging others to join the industry, explaining how they could benefit from the service.
Today, Sena alone has 12 outlets, with several more scattered across the island’s beaches and trading points.
On Wednesdays, David tours the island, advising agents on how to keep their operations running smoothly, with a particular emphasis on the importance of maintaining both cash and float.
But growth has come with challenges.
In the early days, getting enough float was a constant struggle. “Sometimes one customer would withdraw Ksh 150,000, and that would finish the float for everyone else,” he says.
Over time, he began lending float to other agents, helping them keep their businesses running.
Network connectivity has also been a hurdle.
“In the past, poor network coverage slowed transactions, sometimes returning errors that left customers frustrated. We only had one booster, and it wasn’t strong. Safaricom came, checked, and improved it, but some areas still need two or three boosters to work properly,” he explains.
Like much of Mfangano’s economy, his business follows the rhythm of the fishing season. “During fish season, business is very good. People come from as far as Mbita to withdraw cash. But when there are no fish, things slow down,” he said.
Fraud also remains a constant threat. David has seen cases where unsuspecting agents are tricked into sending money to scammers posing as Safaricom staff.
“I always tell agents, if someone calls you, first confirm who they are. Never key in details without verifying.”
He views the business not just as a livelihood, but as a platform to employ others and contribute to the community’s economic growth.
Despite these challenges, his belief in M-PESA’s potential hasn’t wavered. He now runs two shops, one for himself and one for his wife and hopes to expand further.
“If someone asked me to leave M-PESA, I’d tell them it’s impossible. With the right float, good service, and wisdom, M-PESA can change lives. This business has transformed my life,” he says.
