The Draft National Payment System
Bill, 2026, would let services like M-Pesa and Airtel Money invest customer
deposits in government securities and bank accounts, lifting a 2014 ban on
earning returns. Funds stay protected in ring-fenced trusts, with former
Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge urging bonus payouts to wallet holders
from surplus income, as seen in Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana.
With 54 million subscriptions by June 2026, reactions mix excitement over saver benefits with worries providers might keep most gains; comments are open until October 9.