About Lesson
To integrate Mpesa payment systems into your website or application, you’ll need the following:
1. Technical Requirements
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Programming Knowledge
- Proficiency in at least one backend programming language such as PHP, Python, Node.js, or Java.
- Familiarity with REST APIs and HTTP protocols.
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Web Development Tools
- Postman: For testing API endpoints.
- Ngrok: For exposing your local development environment to the internet for testing.
- Text Editor/IDE: Such as Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or PHPStorm.
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Secure Server
- A server with HTTPS enabled for secure communication with Mpesa servers.
- SSL certificate is mandatory for production use.
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Mpesa SDKs (Optional)
- Mpesa SDKs are available for specific languages to simplify API implementation.
2. Business Requirements
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Mpesa Daraja API Account
- Sign up at Mpesa Daraja Portal to access sandbox and production environments.
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Paybill or Till Number
- You need a registered Mpesa Paybill or Till number associated with your business to accept payments.
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Business Name and Details
- Legal registration of your business may be required to acquire a Paybill or Till number.
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Compliance with Mpesa Terms
- Adherence to Safaricom’s guidelines for Mpesa integration.
3. Development Environment Setup
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API Keys and Credentials
- Consumer Key and Consumer Secret provided after registering on the Daraja portal.
- Ensure safe storage of these credentials as they authenticate your API requests.
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Sandbox Environment
- Use the sandbox for testing API functionality without incurring costs or affecting live accounts.
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Callback URLs
- Set up an accessible callback URL for Mpesa to send transaction responses.
- Use tools like Ngrok to create temporary public URLs for local testing.
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JSON Parsing Libraries
- Ensure your development environment supports JSON for sending requests and parsing responses.
4. Payment Workflow Design
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User Interaction Plan
- Define how users interact with the payment flow (e.g., clicking a “Pay with Mpesa” button).
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Error Handling Strategy
- Develop a robust system for capturing and handling errors in API calls or transactions.
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Testing and Debugging Setup
- Log every API request and response for analysis and troubleshooting.
Would you like to expand any section or add a step-by-step guide for setting up these requirements?