Testing: No sandbox or test accounts??

[aksalj]

Safaricom does not seem to provide a way to test one's integration. Some kind of sandbox or test account would be nice. So how does one make sure they are using the API correctly?

[rutaihwa]

Mhh that is a nice question. Some research would be necessary.

[aksalj]

I exchanged a couple of emails with a Safaricom rep regarding this issue; apparently, a public sandbox is still in development. 😞

UPDATE: According to the Safaricom rep, one needs to apply for a paybill number to get test credentials. Currently, the application process is ugly and old-fashioned to say the least 😠 😡 Plus, one has to meet some relatively strict prerequisites in order to be cleared for API access. Safaricom should learn a thing or two from companies like PayPal and Stripe when it comes to API development.

[rutaihwa]

Whats the update on this?

[aksalj]

On Sept. 17, a different rep told me that she would give me access to their test environment (to be availed to the public "soon") when I told her the "specific APIs I was interested in". I have not heard from her since; she does not respond to my emails 😠

[HawiCaesar]

I thought I was the only one suffering with this. So far I have gotten so far registering the URL using soap. I have interacted with an MPESA dev rep. We reached a point of making a keystore and truststore...

[rutaihwa]

You are not alone. On other hand that sounds interesting progress from you.

[vincemukiiri]

Any new updates on this? I'm in a tough spot whereby I need a Paybill number and Passkey to test the api but can't register for one because I don't have a registered business (yet) to apply with.

[aksalj]

@vincemukiiri No, no updates 😞

[kamikazechaser]

2017 is here!

[Geekpen]

sandbox or test account is likely to take much longer as safaricom is planning a shift from SOAP to REST.

I am thinking of a work around on this issue. The challange is that the api is taking a lot of time to mature . There is also likelihood to poor planning for future events.