Kenya’s payments ecosystem is entering a new phase and industry leaders calling for faster settlement, deeper interoperability and infrastructure capable of supporting increasingly complex domestic and cross-border transactions.
The shift in focus emerged during a media roundtable convened by global payments infrastructure platform Verto in Nairobi.
If you have a startup you want featured on TechArena, let us know through this contact form here.
Over the past decade, Kenya has built a global reputation as a digital payments pioneer over the past decade. This is largely driven by mobile money adoption. As businesses scale regionally and internationally, attention is now turning to the underlying infrastructure that powers these transactions.
Speaking at the forum, Mark Mwaniki, Director of Sales – Kenya at Verto, said the next stage of growth will depend on how effectively the country supports businesses operating at scale.
“Kenya has proven what is possible when innovation meets strong demand, but the conversation now needs to shift to infrastructure,” Mwaniki said. “Businesses want payments that move as fast as their operations do. That means fewer intermediaries, clearer pricing and systems that can handle both local and cross-border transactions without friction.”
Participants noted that while consumers have benefited significantly from digital payment innovations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to face hurdles when managing foreign exchange, reconciling payments across channels and executing cross-border transfers.
These challenges increase operational costs and slow growth. This is particularly so for companies trading within Africa and beyond.
Mwaniki focused on the role of infrastructure providers in bridging these gaps as they connect local payment systems with global financial networks.
“The future is not about replacing what already works,” he said. “It’s about connecting systems in a way that allows money to move efficiently, securely and transparently, whether it’s within Kenya or across multiple markets.”
The discussion showed the importance of collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, fintechs, and infrastructure players.
“Payments are no longer just a support function,” Mwaniki added. “They are a strategic enabler for trade, investment, and economic inclusion. Getting the infrastructure right is what will determine how far Kenya can go in the next phase of its digital economy.”
For these and more stories, follow us on X (Formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Telegram. You can also send us tips or reach out at [email protected].
Also Read: Triply Partners with Verto to Power Seamless Cross-Border Payments for Africa’s Travel Sector
