Industry Leaders Chart Kenya’s Next Payments Phase
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, February 24, 2026 – Kenya is preparing for the next phase of its payment infrastructure as industry leaders call for faster systems, stronger interoperability, and seamless cross-border capabilities.
These issues dominated a high-level media roundtable convened by Verto in Nairobi. The forum brought together key players in the financial and fintech space to examine how Kenya’s payment rails must evolve to match growing business and consumer demands.
Over the past decade, Kenya has earned global recognition as a digital payments pioneer, largely driven by mobile money adoption. As a result, millions of consumers now transact with ease. However, stakeholders at the roundtable noted that rising trade volumes and regional expansion are exposing new pressures on existing systems.
They argued that the next chapter must move beyond basic money transfers. Instead, it should prioritise real-time settlement, transparent pricing, and deeper integration across domestic and international platforms.
Speaking during the discussion, Mark Mwaniki, Director of Sales – Kenya at Verto, said infrastructure will define the country’s next leap.
“Kenya has shown what innovation can achieve,” Mwaniki said. “But the focus must now shift to building infrastructure that matches the speed and scale of modern businesses.”
He noted that companies operating across multiple markets require fewer intermediaries, clearer foreign exchange processes, and systems that support both local and cross-border transactions without delays.
Participants further observed that while consumers have benefited greatly from digital payment solutions, small and medium-sized enterprises still struggle with cross-border transfers, foreign exchange management, and reconciling payments across different channels. Consequently, these inefficiencies raise costs and slow expansion, especially for firms trading within Africa and beyond.
According to Mwaniki, infrastructure providers must simplify these complexities by linking local payment methods to global networks.
“The future is not about replacing what works,” he explained. “It is about connecting systems so money moves efficiently, securely, and transparently across markets.”
At the same time, speakers emphasised the need for closer collaboration among regulators, financial institutions, fintech firms, and infrastructure providers. They agreed that regulatory clarity and consistent dialogue will be critical in encouraging innovation while protecting financial stability.
As Kenya strengthens its position as a regional business hub, reliable payment infrastructure is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset. Industry leaders stressed that sustained investment in back-end systems, rather than only consumer-facing products, will determine the sector’s long-term competitiveness.
“Payments are no longer just operational tools,” Mwaniki said. “They are strategic enablers of trade, investment, and economic inclusion.”
The roundtable ended with a shared view that Kenya’s digital payments journey is evolving. While innovation sparked the first wave of growth, the next phase will depend on reinforcing the core systems that move money every day.
