Top 10 Best Payment Gateways in Kenya: Developer-Friendly

As a Kenyan Website Developer, I deeply appreciate the importance of online payment gateways in any digital business.

Can you imagine managing an online platform without them? In today’s digital age, it’s nearly unthinkable.

If you’re looking to integrate a dependable payment gateway into your projects, whether for WordPress or e-commerce sites, selecting the right one is key.

In this article, I’ll highlight the top best payment gateways in Kenya, celebrated for their reliability and ease of use.

What to Consider Before Choosing The Best Payment Gateway in Kenya For Developers

When setting up a website or app that includes payment capabilities, selecting the right online payment gateway is critical for your business’s growth and to meet your customers’ expectations. Here are some important factors to consider:

• API Flexibility and Documentation: A flexible API and thorough documentation are crucial for integrating the payment gateway seamlessly into your system. Look for gateways that offer clear, comprehensive guides and solid developer support.
• Customer Support: Effective customer support can make a significant difference when issues arise. Opt for a gateway known for quick and helpful service, minimizing downtime for your site or app.
• Transaction Restrictions: Consider the limits imposed by gateways on transaction sizes or the number of transactions per day to ensure they align with your current and future business needs.
• Fees and Pricing Structure: Understanding the fee structure is essential as it impacts your bottom line. Some gateways offer lower transaction fees but may charge monthly fees, or vice versa. Choose what best suits your financial strategy.
• Supported Payment Methods: The more payment methods a gateway supports, the easier it is for your customers to make payments conveniently. This includes credit cards, e-wallets, and mobile payments.
• Security Measures: Choose a payment gateway that adheres to top security standards like PCI DSS to protect your customers’ data and build their trust.
• Speed of Transactions: A gateway that processes transactions quickly can prevent customer frustration and cart abandonment. Efficient processing ensures smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
• Market Reach: Consider whether the payment gateway supports your primary market effectively, especially within Kenya. If you’re considering expansion or have a customer base outside Kenya, also check the gateway’s capability to handle international payments. This ensures that you can serve both your local and overseas customers without any issues.

By considering these factors, you can choose a payment gateway that not only fits your current needs but also supports your business as it grows and evolves. This thoughtful approach ensures you select the best tool for your specific requirements.

Comparison Table of The Best Payment Gateways in Kenya

To offer a broader perspective and more options for those exploring digital payment solutions in Kenya, I’ve created this detailed comparison table.

The comparison table above can assist you in making an informed decision before choosing the right payment Gateway for your needs.

1. ipay Africa

Taking our top spot, iPay Africa, established in 2010, has recently become very prominent, notably used by big retail companies like Carrefour. This gateway allows both businesses and individuals to efficiently manage payments through their Internet banking accounts, providing control over whom to pay, from which account, and when to make the payments.

iPay Africa is valued for its flexibility across various business sectors, supporting an array of payment methods. This adaptability ensures users can easily handle their payment needs, whether they’re making daily transactions or managing more complex business activities.

iPay Africa Developer Features

iPay Africa’s API fits seamlessly into existing systems, enabling developers to easily set up and manage payment processes. The platform provides straightforward documentation that assists developers in customizing the payment solutions to fit specific operational requirements.

Additionally, iPay Africa offers a secure environment for developers to test their payment setups before launching them publicly, ensuring reliability and security in all transactions.

Pros:

• Broad Acceptance: With its adoption by significant retailers like Carrefour, iPay Africa is recognized for its reliability and security, making it a preferred choice for substantial business operations.
• Easy Integration: The API is user-friendly, making it straightforward for developers to incorporate payment functionalities into their applications with minimal effort.

Cons:

• Fee Structure: The costs associated with iPay Africa might be prohibitive for smaller businesses or those seeking to minimize operational expenses.
• Limited Global Reach: Although iPay Africa is effective within its primary markets, it might not cater as well to companies planning to expand internationally.

Overall, iPay Africa stands out as a reliable payment gateway for handling a wide range of payment activities, from individual transactions to large-scale business operations. Its easy integration and robust support for developers make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to streamline their payment processes efficiently.

2. Flutterwave

Founded in Nigeria, Flutterwave is a leading provider of digital payment solutions. This company has recently overcome significant legal hurdles.

In early 2023, a High Court decision allowed Flutterwave to reclaim a large sum of money lost in unauthorized transactions. Following a legal fight that started in 2022, an additional $3 million was unfrozen by a Kenyan court, as reported by TechCrunch.

This helped confirm the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and operational stability.

Previously, Flutterwave also played a key role in processing payments for Facebook ads, making it easier for users to manage funds in their Facebook Ad Manager accounts.

Although its role has evolved, Flutterwave remains a pivotal force in streamlining digital payments, not just in Africa but globally.

Flutterwave Developer Features

Flutterwave offers a developer-friendly API that simplifies the integration of payment functionalities into websites and apps. It supports over 150 currencies and facilitates cross-border payments, crucial for businesses operating on a global scale. This extensive support helps applications function smoothly across various markets, accommodating a diverse user base.

Pros:

• Extensive Currency Options: Ideal for international transactions, Flutterwave enables businesses to engage with global markets through its support for numerous currencies.
• Advanced Security: Ensuring transaction safety with strong encryption and fraud prevention measures, it also allows users to add two-factor authentication for enhanced security.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to set up with just a phone number and password, Flutterwave also offers a mobile app for managing transactions anywhere, enhancing user convenience.
• Broad Integration: The platform is versatile in both mobile and physical retail environments, supporting contactless payments and broadening its applicability.
• Competitive Fees: No fees for transactions within Kenya or between Flutterwave accounts, though fees for currency conversion and international transactions are competitive but necessary for global operations.

Cons:

• Regulatory Challenges: Despite recent clearances, Flutterwave’s past regulatory challenges could still raise concerns about its future operations.
• International Transaction Costs: While domestic transactions are free, international transactions and currency conversions can be costly, potentially limiting smaller businesses or those new to international dealings.

Flutterwave remains a robust choice for businesses looking to expand their digital payment capabilities across borders. Its dedication to security, ease of use, and extensive currency support make it a preferred gateway for companies aiming for global reach and operational flexibility.

3. DPO Group

In 2006, DPO Group was established after its co-founders, Eran Feinstein and Offer Gat, were tasked by a Kenyan airline to create a system for processing international online bookings.

Since its inception, DPO Group has expanded significantly, becoming a prominent payment gateway for both developers and business owners across Kenya and Africa.

DPO Group Developer Features

DPO Group provides a flexible API that supports a wide range of payment methods including credit cards and mobile payments. This versatility is beneficial for businesses that require robust payment solutions.

The API facilitates smooth integration into various platforms, enabling businesses of all sizes to seamlessly adopt DPO’s services and meet diverse customer payment preferences.

Pros:

• Diverse Payment Methods: DPO Group caters to a broad market by supporting multiple payment options, which helps businesses attract a wider customer base.
• High Security Standards: By adhering to PCI DSS compliance, DPO ensures secure transaction processing, crucial for maintaining customer trust.
• Expansive Reach: Operating across Africa, DPO Group aids businesses in scaling up and reaching customers beyond Kenyan borders.
• Ease of Integration: The clear and detailed API documentation simplifies the integration process for developers and business owners alike.

Cons:

• Fee Complexity: The fee structure can be difficult to understand, potentially deterring smaller enterprises or those just starting out.
• Variable Customer Service: Reports of inconsistent customer support could be a concern for businesses dependent on reliable service.

Overall, DPO Group is recognized as a reliable and secure payment gateway that offers a variety of payment options. Its robust security measures and broad reach make it an excellent choice for developers and business owners aiming to enhance or expand their payment capabilities in Kenya and beyond.

4. PesaPal

Founded in 2009, Pesapal has become a key player in digital payments across East Africa, serving businesses in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zambia. With a portfolio of over 50,000 merchants, it supports a wide array of sectors including airlines, telecommunications, hospitality, e-commerce, and retail.

This extensive merchant base underlines Pesapal’s reliability for businesses that need a versatile payment solution.

Pesapal supports a variety of payment methods, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, M-Pesa, and Airtel Money. The platform’s straightforward API makes it easy for developers to add these payment options to their websites and apps, backed by detailed documentation that guides them through the setup process.

Pesapal Developer Features

Pesapal’s API simplifies adding payment functionalities into apps and websites. This helps developers integrate direct payments and manage billing efficiently. Pesapal also provides a testing environment where developers can safely test their payment setups before they go live, ensuring they work reliably both locally and internationally.

Pros:

• Wide Usage: Well-established across East Africa, Pesapal is trusted by a large number of merchants, demonstrating its reliability and popularity as a payment gateway.
• Easy Integration: The API is straightforward and well-documented, making it simple for developers to integrate and ensuring smooth operations and positive customer experiences.

Cons:

• Fee Structure: While Pesapal offers numerous benefits, its fees might be a consideration for smaller businesses or those looking to minimize transaction costs.
• Regional Focus: Pesapal is excellent within East Africa, but its capabilities may be limited for businesses aiming for a broader global presence.

Pesapal’s widespread acceptance and user-friendly integration features make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to effectively cater to both local and regional markets, ensuring it remains a reliable tool for developers creating applications to meet diverse customer needs.

5. Paystack

Founded in Nigeria in 2015, Paystack has quickly become a leading payment gateway not only in Nigeria but also in Kenya. This platform has made a significant impact by simplifying how businesses receive payments online.

Trusted by thousands of businesses across the continent, Paystack offers a seamless integration process and a suite of tools and services designed to boost the efficiency of financial transactions.

Paystack Developer Features

Paystack provides developers with a highly intuitive API that makes it easier to integrate payment services into websites and mobile applications.

The API is well-documented and supports a range of payment options, including credit and debit cards, mobile money, and bank transfers. This makes Paystack an ideal choice for developers looking to implement robust payment solutions.

Pros:

• Extensive Payment Options: Paystack supports a variety of payment methods, ensuring businesses can cater to all customer preferences.
• High-Level Security: The platform uses advanced security protocols to ensure that all transactions are secure, protecting both business and customer data.
• User-Friendly Interface: Both the API and the dashboard are designed for ease of use, enabling quick setups and efficient management of payment processes.
• Real-Time Reporting: Paystack offers detailed, real-time reports that help businesses track and analyze their transactions, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making.

Cons:

• Fees for International Transactions: While Paystack offers competitive local transaction fees, the costs for international payments may be higher, which could be a consideration for businesses focusing on global sales.
• Availability: While expanding, Paystack’s services are still not as widely available in all African countries as some other payment gateways, which may limit its use for businesses with a broader African footprint.

Overall, Paystack stands out as a top choice for developers and business owners in Kenya who need a reliable, secure, and easy-to-use payment gateway. Its robust features and strong focus on user experience make it highly effective for managing online transactions, helping businesses grow by facilitating smoother payment processes.

6. JamboPay

JamboPay, established in 2009, is an innovative digital payment service based in Nairobi, Kenya. It has carved a niche for itself by specializing in enabling electronic payments for various services, particularly within the public sector.

Known for its reliability and wide service range, JamboPay has facilitated digital transactions for government services, utilities, and school fee payments, making it a crucial player in Kenya’s digital economy.

JamboPay Developer Features

JamboPay offers developers a robust API that integrates smoothly into existing systems, allowing for the easy addition of payment options to websites and apps. This API supports multiple payment methods, including mobile payments, credit cards, and direct bank transfers, providing flexibility and convenience for users and developers alike.

Pros:

• Versatility in Payment Options: JamboPay supports a diverse array of payment methods, enhancing accessibility for users across different sectors.
• Dedicated Support: They provide dedicated support to help businesses implement their payment systems effectively, ensuring minimal downtime and issues.
• Strong Local Presence: With a strong focus on the Kenyan market, JamboPay understands local business needs and customer behavior, tailoring their services to meet these specific demands.
• Security Compliance: JamboPay adheres to high security standards, ensuring all transactions are securely processed, which is vital for maintaining user trust.

Cons:

• Limited Global Reach: JamboPay’s services are primarily focused on Kenya, which might not be suitable for businesses looking to expand internationally.
• Interface Usability: Some users report that the interface can be complex to navigate, potentially causing a steeper learning curve for new users.

Overall, JamboPay is an excellent choice for businesses and developers looking for a reliable payment gateway that caters extensively to the Kenyan market.

Its specialization in handling payments for public and government services makes it uniquely positioned in the digital payments landscape, providing vital services that support the infrastructure of daily life in Kenya.

7. KopoKopo

Founded in 2012, KopoKopo set out with a clear mission: to simplify operations for small and medium-sized businesses across Kenya. This was notably achieved through a strategic partnership with Safaricom, bringing the Lipa Na M-Pesa Buy Goods service to a wider audience.

This collaboration has enabled countless businesses to integrate seamless payment solutions, enhancing their operational efficiency and accessibility.

KopoKopo Features

KopoKopo offers a user-friendly platform that allows businesses to manage mobile payments effectively. The service is designed to integrate smoothly with existing business processes, providing tools that help businesses grow by leveraging robust payment capabilities.

Pros:

• Strategic Partnership: Through its partnership with Safaricom, KopoKopo offers businesses direct access to the widely used Lipa Na M-Pesa payment system, enhancing their transaction capabilities.
• Simplified Fee Structure: KopoKopo charges a flat fee of KSh. 50 for every payment transaction, making its pricing straightforward and predictable for businesses.
• Business Growth Tools: Beyond payments, KopoKopo provides tools for sales insights, customer management, and financial services, supporting broader business management needs.

Cons:

• Fee Impact on Smaller Transactions: While the flat fee structure is simple, it can be relatively high for businesses processing many small transactions, potentially eroding margins.
• Limited to M-Pesa Integration: As the service is heavily reliant on M-Pesa, businesses looking for a more diverse range of payment options might find it restrictive.

Overall, KopoKopo stands out as a pivotal platform in Kenya for SMEs seeking to streamline their payment processes and grow their operations. Its focus on simplicity and strategic integration with Safaricom’s M-Pesa system makes it a valuable ally for businesses aiming to enhance their financial transactions and customer interactions.

8. Jenga

Though I haven’t personally used Jenga, the widespread positive reviews make it hard to overlook. Launched in 2018 by Equity Bank’s Finserve Africa, Jenga is quickly becoming a key player not only in Kenya but also across the broader East African market. The payment gateway is well-regarded for its smooth integration of local and international payment processes.

Jenga offers more than just basic transaction services. It’s an effective solution for developers and businesses looking to incorporate a variety of payment services. With Jenga, users can manage bill payments, buy airtime, and access various financial services through mobile phones, debit cards, or credit cards.

Jenga Developer Features

Jenga offers a robust API that developers love because it allows for easy integration of various payment options into apps and websites. For those interested in diving deeper, resources like the Jenga API MPESA_STKPUSH on GitHub provide excellent examples of what you can achieve with this payment gateway.

Pros:

• Extensive Security Measures: Jenga safeguards transactions with encryption and fraud prevention technologies. The payment gateway also supports two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security.
• User-Friendly Interface: Getting started with Jenga is straightforward—just a phone number and a password are needed. The platform’s design is intuitive, making it easy to use for everyone.
• Broad Mobile Integration: Jenga is integrated across numerous mobile apps and websites and is accepted at a variety of physical stores.
• Transparent Fee Structure: The fees for Jenga are clear and vary depending on the transaction type and amount, which allows businesses to plan expenses better.
• Global Reach: Besides local transactions, Jenga enables international operations in countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, and supports global online services like Netflix and Amazon.

Cons:

• Complex Features: The array of features offered by Jenga can be daunting for newcomers or smaller startups without dedicated technical support.
• Cost of Services: While Jenga provides a multitude of services, the fees, particularly for currency conversion and international transactions, can be significant.

Jenga is making significant strides in facilitating secure and efficient transactions, both within Kenya and globally. Its powerful features and developer-friendly capabilities make it an invaluable tool for anyone looking to enhance their applications with reliable payment solutions, backed by the strong reputation of Equity Bank.

9. Skrill

Since its founding in 2001, Skrill has become a leading global digital wallet provider, known for facilitating easy and quick financial transactions. In Kenya, Skrill is especially useful because it integrates smoothly with M-Pesa, the popular mobile payment system.

This feature is great for freelancers and businesses, allowing them to transfer their earnings directly to M-Pesa accounts quickly.

Skrill Features for Developers and Businesses in Kenya

Skrill offers a straightforward platform that makes it easy to add payment services to various online environments.

Its API is particularly friendly for developers and businesses in Kenya, supporting direct transfers to M-Pesa and handling both local and international transactions efficiently.

Skrill supports many different currencies and payment methods, providing options that are similar to those offered by PayPal but with the added benefit of local integration.

Pros:

• M-Pesa Integration: Allows direct transfers to M-Pesa, providing a fast way for users to access their money.
• Global Operations: Operates in many countries and supports multiple currencies, making it useful for international transactions.
• Strong Security: Uses security measures like encryption and fraud detection to protect transactions.
• Simple to Use: The interface is easy to navigate, which makes managing transactions straightforward.

Cons:

• Fees: Charges for currency conversion and withdrawals can be high, which might impact those doing frequent international transactions.
• Account Restrictions: There are occasional issues with account freezes or restrictions, which can interfere with accessing funds.
• Variable Customer Support: Support quality can fluctuate, sometimes leading to delayed responses.

Overall, Skrill is a practical option for Kenyan users needing to connect local mobile payments with global payment systems. Its setup allows for quick withdrawals and broad payment capabilities, helping users efficiently manage their financial operations.

10. Chipper Cash

Chipper Cash, a cross-border payment service, currently faces regulatory challenges in Kenya. According to the Central Bank of Kenya, Chipper Cash is not licensed to operate within the country, which has temporarily halted its services locally.

Despite this setback, Chipper Cash remains active and popular in several other countries, including Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, and the USA, where it offers efficient and cost-effective payment solutions.

Chipper Cash Potential Features

If Chipper Cash resumes operations in Kenya, it aims to provide a platform that simplifies transactions with features designed for ease of use. The service supports various payment options, such as direct bank transfers and mobile money, ideal for both domestic and international transfers.

Pros:

• Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Chipper Cash is appreciated for its low transaction fees and quick processing, making it attractive for frequent cross-border transactions.
• User-Friendly Interface: The service offers an easy-to-navigate platform, simplifying the payment process for users of all backgrounds.
• Diverse Payment Methods: It supports multiple payment methods, meeting the needs of a broad customer base across its operational countries.

Cons:

• Regulatory Challenges: As of now, Chipper Cash cannot operate in Kenya due to non-compliance with local banking regulations, limiting its accessibility to Kenyan users.
• Market Limitation: The absence from the Kenyan market restricts local businesses and individuals from leveraging its services for international transactions.

Overall, while Chipper Cash currently cannot serve the Kenyan market, its established presence and success in other countries highlight its potential value. Should regulatory issues be resolved, Chipper Cash could significantly impact Kenya’s payment landscape by offering an efficient and versatile payment platform.

Wrapping Up

This concludes our roundup of the top payment gateways in Kenya. Whether you’re a developer looking to enhance your projects, a business owner aiming to streamline your transactions, or simply someone keen on understanding digital payments, choosing the right gateway is essential for success. Pick one that suits your needs and elevates the user experience across your digital platforms.