Introduction: Kenya’s Dynamic Digital Payment Landscape
Kenya stands at the forefront of Africa’s digital payment revolution. With a high mobile penetration rate and a tech-savvy population, the country has embraced innovative payment solutions that cater to both urban and rural populations. The Central Bank of Kenya’s supportive regulatory framework further fosters the growth of fintech solutions, making Kenya a hub for digital payment innovation.
Market Conditions: Key Features of Leading Payment Gateways in Kenya
In Kenya’s competitive fintech environment, top payment gateways typically offer:
- Mobile Money Integration: Seamless compatibility with services like M-Pesa and Airtel Money.
- Multi-Currency Support: Facilitating both local (KES) and international transactions.
- Robust Security Measures: Compliance with PCI DSS standards and advanced fraud detection.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: Simplified dashboards for transaction tracking and reporting.
- Flexible Integration Options: APIs and plugins for various e-commerce platforms.
Top 12 Payment Gateways in Kenya for 2025
1. Lipa na M-Pesa (Safaricom)
- Overview: A mobile payment solution by Safaricom, widely adopted across Kenya.
- Features: Supports Paybill, Till Number, and Pochi la Biashara services.
- Strengths: Real-time transactions, extensive user base, and easy integration with e-commerce platforms.
- Ideal For: Retailers, SMEs, and service providers seeking mobile payment solutions.
2. Pesapal
- Overview: A versatile payment gateway supporting various payment methods.
- Features: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, M-Pesa, and Airtel Money.
- Strengths: User-friendly dashboard, robust security, and regional presence in East Africa.
- Ideal For: E-commerce businesses, hospitality industry, and educational institutions.
3. Kora
- Overview: An emerging payment gateway offering innovative solutions.
- Features: Supports multiple currencies, real-time payment tracking, and subscription billing.
- Strengths: Advanced API integration and cross-border payment capabilities.
- Ideal For: Tech startups and businesses with international clientele.
4. JamboPay
- Overview: A trusted payment solution provider, especially for government services.
- Features: Handles bill payments, money transfers, and supports various payment methods.
- Strengths: Strong presence in public sector transactions and reliable service delivery.
- Ideal For: Government agencies, NGOs, and utility companies.
5. iPay Africa
- Overview: A payment gateway offering specialized solutions for diverse industries.
- Features: Supports M-Pesa, Airtel Money, credit card payments, and provides plugins for popular e-commerce platforms.
- Strengths: Bulk payment solutions and utility payment integrations.
- Ideal For: Online retailers, utility service providers, and educational institutions.
6. DPO Group
- Overview: A pan-African payment service provider with a comprehensive suite of solutions.
- Features: Supports local and international payment methods, real-time transaction monitoring, and fraud prevention tools.
- Strengths: Multi-currency processing and the unique DPO Card for instant fund access.
- Ideal For: Businesses with a regional presence and those requiring robust security features.
7. Flutterwave
- Overview: A leading African fintech company known for its innovative payment solutions.
- Features: Supports various payment methods, including cards and mobile money, and offers seamless integration with e-commerce platforms.
- Strengths: User-friendly interface and strong developer support.
- Ideal For: Online merchants, freelancers, and service providers.
8. Kopo Kopo
- Overview: A payment gateway focusing on small and medium-sized businesses.
- Features: Offers Lipa na M-Pesa integration, till number management, and business analytics tools.
- Strengths: Provides cash advance services and bulk payment solutions.
- Ideal For: SMEs seeking comprehensive payment and financial management solutions.
9. Elemipay (by Elemitech)
- Overview: A payment gateway catering to high-risk industries.
- Features: Supports multiple payment methods, seamless API integration, and offers white-label solutions.
- Strengths: Weekly settlements to global bank accounts or USDT wallets and competitive pricing.
- Ideal For: Gaming, betting, forex trading, and crypto companies.
10. NOWPayments
- Overview: A payment gateway facilitating cryptocurrency transactions.
- Features: Allows businesses to accept payments in various cryptocurrencies and integrates with popular e-commerce platforms.
- Strengths: Secure transactions and caters to the growing crypto market.
- Ideal For: Businesses looking to diversify payment options with cryptocurrency.
11. Cellulant
- Overview: A digital payments provider operating across Africa.
- Features: Offers a unified payment platform supporting multiple payment methods and channels.
- Strengths: Strong presence in various African markets and partnerships with major financial institutions.
- Ideal For: Businesses seeking a pan-African payment solution.
12. PangoPay
- Overview: A B2B online payment gateway focusing on simplifying transactions.
- Features: Facilitates smoother transactions for purchases and helps businesses accept payments efficiently.
- Strengths: User-friendly interface and tailored for B2B transactions.
- Ideal For: Businesses looking for streamlined B2B payment solutions.
Comparison Table
| Provider | Mobile Money Integration | International Payments | Subscription Billing | E-commerce Integration | Settlement Time |
| Lipa na M-Pesa | Yes | No | No | Yes | Instant |
| Pesapal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Days |
| Kora | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Days |
| JamboPay | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 1-2 Days |
| iPay Africa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Days |
| DPO Group | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Days |
| Flutterwave | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Days |
| Kopo Kopo | Yes | No | No | Yes | Instant |
| Elemipay | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Weekly |
| NOWPayments | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Cellulant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1-2 Days |
| PangoPay | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 1-2 Days |
Conclusion: Selecting the Ideal Payment Gateway for Your Business
Choosing the right payment gateway in Kenya depends on your business model, target audience, and specific needs.
- For Mobile-Centric Businesses: Lipa na M-Pesa and Kopo Kopo offer seamless mobile money integrations.
- For E-commerce Platforms: Pesapal, iPay Africa, and Flutterwave provide robust e-commerce solutions.
- For International Transactions: DPO Group, Kora
