How to Opt Out of Fuliza

Fuliza is an overdraft facility introduced by Safaricom PLC back in 2019. Since its launch, Kenyans have relied on the credit facility when they are short on funds. The reliance is clearly visible in Safaricom’s revenue reports as Fuliza earned the company KES 3.9 billion in the financial year ending March 2024. However, based on financial results released by Safaricom, 1 million of its customers decided to opt out of Fuliza during the same financial year.

Fuliza, accessed via M-Pesa, saw its subscriber base fall to 7.1 million down from 8.1 million in the previous year. On average, revenue per person dropped to KES 254.4. This was a 14.6% drop. The total revenue earned by Fuliza of KES 3.9 billion in FY23/24 was a drop of 28.4% from the previous FY22/23.

The Psychological and Financial Cost of Safaricom’s Fuliza has been discussed before and the revised fuliza charges remain steep. Perhaps, you may be one of those looking to also opt out of Fuliza. If so, here are the steps.

How to Opt Out of Fuliza via USSD

Fuliza is accessed via the M-Pesa USSD Menu of *234#. It’s the same menu you use to opt in and out of the credit facility.

1. Dial *234# via your Keypad

2. Select option 7 labelled “Opt Out”

You will receive another Prompt with the Message “Opting Out of M-Pesa Fuliza will reset your limit to as low as Ksh. 0 when you next opt in“. If you are sure you would like to unsubscribe from Fuliza select Option 1 for “Yes”.

3. A pop-up Notification from Safaricom will Appear with the following message.

4. Once you have been officially unsubscribed. M-Pesa will send a text Message which reads in part “You have successfully Opted Out of Fuliza M-Pesa Service”.

How to opt Out Via M-Pesa App

Fuliza has had an M-Pesa app menu for a while now. The menu shows you your limit, the amount you’ve overdrawn, the amount due and the due date. You can also access your mini-statement and opt out of the service. This is how to opt out via the app.