After weeks of frustration from diaspora and roaming customers, Safaricom has finally updated its My OneApp platform to work on rival mobile networks, including Airtel Kenya, easing restrictions that had locked out diaspora and roaming users since the app launched in April. This significant update marks a turning point for Kenya’s largest telecommunications operator and addresses one of the most pressing issues surrounding the new Super App.
When My OneApp initially launched, it came with strict security requirements that created unexpected barriers for millions of users. The app demanded activation exclusively through Safaricom mobile data, which proved particularly problematic for Kenyans living abroad who suddenly found themselves cut off from their M-PESA accounts. For diaspora users in cities like London, Dubai, and New York, accessing their financial lifeline meant paying expensive roaming charges, sometimes costing over Ksh 1,000 per MB,just to reactivate the app.
The updated version now allows users to remain logged into My OneApp even after switching between Safaricom and other mobile networks like Airtel Kenya. According to tests by TechCabal, My OneApp can now remain active while connected to Airtel Kenya and other non-Safaricom networks. This improvement directly addresses the forced logout issue that had plagued users since launch, making the app significantly more stable during network transitions.
The previous experience forced users to repeatedly reactivate My OneApp whenever they lost Safaricom connectivity or switched networks. For those juggling WiFi connections, roaming data, and local mobile networks, this constant reactivation requirement became exhausting and expensive. The app also appears more stable during network changes, addressing a problem that had frustrated users who moved between WiFi, roaming and local mobile networks.
However, it’s important to note that some restrictions remain in place. My OneApp still requires Safaricom mobile data for initial activation, with attempts over WiFi and rival networks blocked in the latest update. This means that while the app now maintains stability across different networks once activated, users must still have an active Safaricom SIM with mobile data enabled for their first login.
This update comes as Safaricom faces growing competition from rivals like Airtel, whose money transfer service has significantly expanded its market share. M-PESA’s mobile money market share has declined from roughly 97% in late 2023 to about 89% by the end of 2025, while Airtel Money has more than tripled its share in the same period, climbing from under 3% to 11%.
For diaspora users and those frequently roaming internationally, this update represents meaningful progress. It restores functionality that many considered essential for maintaining financial connections to Kenya. While some users wish for complete WiFi-based activation, the ability to remain logged in across different networks is undoubtedly a step forward in making My OneApp more accessible to Safaricom’s most mobile customer base.
