# How can mental health clinics in Kenya accept M-Pesa and match payments to sessions?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/how-can-mental-health-clinics-in-kenya-accept-m-pesa-and-match-payments-to-sessions
For: Clinicians | Mental health providers | Reviewed by Independent clinical reviewer, Registered mental health clinician, Kenya | Last reviewed 23 October 2026

**Answer:** Mental health clinics in Kenya can accept M-Pesa through a business Paybill or Till number and match each payment to the right patient and session by using an account reference, an STK push from the clinic's system, or automatic reconciliation. Linking every payment to a session makes receipts, insurance and SHA claims, and month-end reporting much easier.

### Setting up M-Pesa for a clinic

**Steps**

- Choose Paybill (with account numbers) or Till (simpler, no reference).
- Decide how patients identify the session, such as an invoice number.
- Use payment prompts (STK push) from your system where possible.
- Reconcile M-Pesa statements against invoices daily.
- Issue receipts that do not reveal the reason for the visit.

Manual reconciliation is a common source of lost revenue and admin time. Systems that link payment, appointment and invoice reduce both.

> **Important:** This Knowledge Hub article is operational and product-neutral education. It does not provide clinical, legal or regulatory advice. Local clinical governance, privacy and compliance review should guide live clinic decisions.

## More questions

### Is Paybill or Till better for a clinic?

Paybill lets patients enter an account number, which makes matching payments easier. Till is simpler but harder to reconcile at volume.

### Can clinics take deposits by M-Pesa at booking?

Yes. Deposits can reduce no-shows. Make refund and cancellation terms clear.

### Should receipts mention therapy?

Keep receipts discreet, for example 'consultation', unless the patient needs details for an insurer.

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