NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 24 – Kenya’s payments ecosystem is entering a new phase as industry players push for faster settlement systems, stronger interoperability and infrastructure capable of handling complex domestic and cross-border transactions.
The shift formed the focus of a media roundtable convened in Nairobi by Verto, where stakeholders said that while Kenya has built a global reputation in digital payments—largely driven by mobile money adoption—the next stage of growth will depend on strengthening the underlying infrastructure.
“Kenya has proven what is possible when innovation meets strong demand, but the conversation now needs to shift to infrastructure,” said Mark Mwaniki, Director of Sales – Kenya at Verto.
“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 although consumers have benefited significantly from digital payment solutions, many small and medium-sized enterprises still face hurdles in cross-border transactions, foreign exchange management and payment reconciliation across multiple platforms. These inefficiencies, they argued, increase costs and constrain expansion, particularly for firms trading within Africa.
Mwaniki said infrastructure providers must focus on connecting local payment rails to global networks rather than replacing systems that already function effectively.
“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.”
The forum also highlighted the need for closer collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, fintechs and infrastructure providers. Industry players agreed that regulatory clarity and sustained dialogue will be essential to balance innovation with financial system stability.
As Kenya positions itself as a regional business hub, participants stressed that investment in back-end systems—rather than solely consumer-facing products—will determine the resilience and competitiveness of the country’s payments landscape.
“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.”
