M-Pesa Access for the Blind

Visually impaired and blind persons can now access M-Pesa services independently and with ease using a new braille smartwatch launched by Safaricom.

Safaricom in partnership with DOT Incorporation, a South Korean based technology firm, developed the DOT braille watch that connects to ones smartphone, translates and displays SMS messages in braille allowing the blind to read. The watch also allows users to save the M-Pesa messages for future reference.

“We are committed to the to the empowerment of persons with disability by facilitating the availability and affordability of assistive devices and technologies in line with our mission to transform lives. This partnership with DOT incorporation will make life easier for our visually impaired and blind customers through innovation,” said Sitoyo Lopokoiyot, the Chief Officer, Financial Services at Safaricom.

The devices are currently available at Masoko e-commerce platform and Safaricom retail shop. The mobile service provider company had also introduced Interactive Voice Response (IVR) which is also another M-Pesa innovation that enables the blind and visually impaired to take charge of their M-Pesa transactions through speech.