Kenya is the 56th largest e-commerce market globally, with an estimated revenue of US$2300 million in 2023. With the revenue showing a compounded annual growth rate of 3.7%, the e-commerce industry in Kenya is expected to reach US$2662.8 million by 2027.
As more and more businesses shift their operations online, having a reliable and secure payment gateway is crucial for any small business website in Kenya. Options abound in the market, but not all payment gateways are created equal.
Here are seven of the best payment gateways specifically tailored for small businesses in Kenya:
#1. Mpesa
Mpesa is Kenya’s leading mobile money platform, with over 50 million active users and partnerships with major banks such as Equity Bank, KCB Bank, and Cooperative Bank of Kenya.
While it’s mainly used for person-to-person transactions, Mpesa has expanded to include online payments through its Lipa Na Mpesa service. Online vendors can use Mpesa’s Paybill or Till Number option to receive customer payments.
It’s available in 7 countries:
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Ghana
- Egypt
- Lesotho
- DRC
- Mozambique
How to Integrate Mpesa into Your Website
Integrating Mpesa into your website is a straightforward process. You can use the official Mpesa API or third-party plugins for platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, and Magento.
However, you’ll first need to register for a business Mpesa account and fulfill the necessary requirements, such as providing your business registration documents and a valid Kenyan ID.
Benefits of Using Mpesa
- Widely accepted in Kenya
- Low transaction fees compared to other payment gateways
- Quick and easy integration process
- Instant payments, which improve cash flow for businesses
#2. Pesapal
Pesapal is another popular payment gateway in Kenya that allows businesses to accept payments from various channels, including debit and credit cards, Mpesa, Airtel Money, Equitel, and Masterpass.
It also offers a robust fraud management system and real-time transaction monitoring to ensure secure online payments.
How to Integrate Pesapal into Your Website
Pesapal provides plugins for popular e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, OpenCart, and PrestaShop. You can also use their APIs to customize your integration process.
To register for a Pesapal account, visit their website and complete the registration process. You’ll also need to provide your business documents and personal identification.
Benefits of Using Pesapal
- Multi-channel payment options
- Advanced fraud management system
- Real-time transaction monitoring
#3. JamboPay
JamboPay is a comprehensive online payment solution that caters to businesses of all sizes. It allows businesses to collect payments from various channels, including mobile money, debit and credit cards, and bank transfers.
The platform also offers a recurring billing feature for subscription-based businesses and a robust reporting system for tracking payments.
How to Integrate JamboPay into Your Website
You can integrate JamboPay into your website using their APIs or plugins for popular e-commerce platforms like Magento and WooCommerce.
To register for a JamboPay account, visit their website and complete the registration process. You’ll also need to provide your business documents and personal identification.
Benefits of Using JamboPay
- Multiple payment options
- Recurring billing feature
- Detailed reporting system
#4. iPay Africa
iPay is a popular payment gateway in Kenya that allows businesses to accept payments from various channels, including Mpesa, Airtel Money, Visa, and Mastercard.
Customers can make payments directly on your website or through iPay’s web portal, which also allows for bulk payment uploads. The platform also offers a developer-friendly API for custom integrations.
Benefits of Using iPayAfrica
- Versatility with Payment Channels: iPay supports a diverse range of payment methods, including popular mobile money services like M-PESA and Airtel Money, offering convenience to customers who prefer these platforms.
- Bulkpay Wallet Transactions: For businesses handling high-volume transactions, iPay’s Bulkpay Wallet feature streamlines the process, allowing for efficient management and user payments.
- Seamless Bank Integrations: Through PesaLink, customers can transfer funds directly from their bank accounts, enhancing payment flexibility.
- Utility Payment Solutions: Simplify the payment of utilities with iPay’s easy-to-use platform, reducing the hassle for both you and your customers.
- Diverse Card Support: Catering to a global market, iPay accepts major credit cards, including VISA, Mastercard, and UnionPay International, ensuring that local and international clients can transact smoothly.
How to Integrate iPay into Your Website:
Use their APIs to integrate iPay into your website for a customized payment solution.
They have C2B, B2B, B2C, STK Push, and Recurring Billing APIs.
But first, you need to register for an iPay business account and produce all the required documents, including your business registration documents and personal identification.
#5. Tingg
Tingg is a digital payment platform that offers businesses and individuals a secure and convenient way to make and receive payments. It supports multiple payment channels, including M-PESA, Airtel Money, credit/debit cards, and bank transfers.
The platform also offers an easy-to-use checkout process for customers, making it a popular choice among e-commerce businesses.
Spotify is among the known merchant platforms that have integrated Tingg into their system.
How to Integrate Tingg into Your Website
Tingg provides a simple integration process through plugins for popular e-commerce platforms like Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify, and OpenCart. You can also use their APIs for custom integrations.
To register for a Tingg account, visit their website and complete the registration process. You’ll also need to provide your business documents and personal identification.
Benefits of Using Tingg
- Convenience: With multiple payment options, including mobile money and card payments, customers can choose their preferred method for a seamless checkout experience.
- Secure Transactions: Tingg employs the latest encryption technology to ensure secure transactions and protect businesses and customers from fraud.
- Easy Integration: With plugins and APIs available, Tingg offers a smooth integration process for e-commerce businesses of all sizes.
- Detailed Reporting: The platform provides detailed transaction reports, giving businesses valuable insights into their payment activities.
#6. Flutterwave
Flutterwave is a Nigeria-based payment gateway that allows businesses to accept payments from various channels, including card payments, mobile money, and bank transfers.
The platform also offers a ” Rave ” feature for international payments in over 30 currencies. It also provides an easy-to-use dashboard for managing transactions and detailed reports on payment activities.
How to Integrate Flutterwave into Your Website
Flutterwave offers plugins and APIs for popular e-commerce platforms like Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify, and PrestaShop. You can also use their API to customize your integration process.
To register for a Flutterwave account, visit their website and complete the registration process. You’ll also need to provide your business documents and personal identification.
Benefits of Using Flutterwave
- International Payments: With “Rave,” Flutterwave allows businesses to accept payments in over 30 currencies, making it ideal for e-commerce businesses with a global reach.
- Multi-channel Payments: Customers can make payments through various channels, including card payments, mobile money services, and bank transfers.
- Easy Management: The platform offers a user-friendly dashboard for managing transactions and detailed reports on payment activities.
- Secure Transactions: Flutterwave uses advanced security measures, including PCI DSS compliance, to ensure secure business and customer transactions.
#7. Paystack
Paystack is a Stripe-owned Nigerian payment gateway that allows businesses to accept payments from various channels, including card payments, mobile money, and bank transfers.
The platform also offers an easy-to-use dashboard for managing transactions and detailed reports on payment activities. It supports multiple currencies and has a “Paystack Pages” feature for creating customizable payment pages.
How to Integrate Paystack into Your Website
Paystack offers plugins and APIs for popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and PrestaShop. They also provide a step-by-step guide on integrating their payment gateway into your website.
To register for a Paystack account, visit their website and complete the registration process. You’ll also need to provide your business documents and personal identification.
Benefits of Using Paystack
- Multiple Payment Channels: With options for card payments, mobile money, and bank transfers, Paystack offers customers a convenient way to make payments.
- Customizable Payment Pages: Using “Paystack Pages,” businesses can create personalized payment pages that match their brand’s look and feel.
- Detailed Reporting: The platform provides detailed transaction reports, giving businesses insights into their payment activities.
- Secure Transactions: Paystack uses industry-standard security measures, including PCI DSS compliance, to ensure safe and secure business and customer transactions.
Integrating Paystack into your website offers your business a seamless and secure payment solution, helping you provide your customers with a positive experience while protecting their sensitive information.
Honorary Mentions
- Kopokopo
- DusuPay
- Africas Talking
- Jenga
- DPO Group
- Mpayer
- Beyonic
- PesaPal
- PayGate
- Easypay