In Nairobi this week, a quiet revolution in Kenya’s digital payment ecosystem was formally launched. Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL), the operator of Pesalink, unveiled the Pesalink Fintech Programme. This initiative positions Pesalink not just as a payment rail but as a platform for innovation.
The programme invites fintechs, banks, and digital platforms to build, experiment, and scale financial products in real time.
Rather than remaining a closed-loop transfer system, Pesalink is now opening its infrastructure. Fintechs will have direct access to APIs, settlement networks, and shared infrastructure to build, test, and deploy financial solutions faster and more efficiently. In essence, Pesalink is evolving from a simple transfer system into an industry-led innovation hub.
The programme is anchored on three pillars: engagement with fintechs and settlement banks, the development of new use cases, and the provision of developer tools.
To date, over 26 fintech partners have been onboarded, with preferential access and pricing arrangements established with select settlement banks to enable fintechs to manage liquidity and scale securely.
Among the standout offerings are BulkPay and PesalinkPay. BulkPay allows businesses and fintechs to send hundreds of payments instantly through a single API or web interface, making it ideal for salaries, supplier payments, refunds, or disbursements.
PesalinkPay enables merchants to receive instant, account-to-account payments, enhancing checkout experiences and giving fintechs a new product to offer business customers.
The programme also features the Pesalink Sandbox, a secure testing environment where fintechs can test integrations and validate ideas before launch. This will lower entry costs, shorten time-to-market, and maintain consumer protection and network stability.
“By simplifying access and testing, Pesalink encourages more players to build on shared infrastructure rather than developing isolated systems. This strengthens interoperability, drives competition, and supports the growth of inclusive digital financial services across Kenya,” IPSL Board Chairman Jeremy Ngunze said.
Echoing his sentiments, IPSL Chief Executive Officer Gituku Kirika described the programme as a milestone for Kenya’s digital payments landscape.
“This is a landmark moment for Pesalink and Kenya’s digital payments ecosystem,” he said.
Adding;
“We’re moving beyond enabling transfers to enabling innovation. The Fintech Programme gives the sector freedom to experiment, test, and connect directly with our rails. Propositions like BulkPay and PesalinkPay turn that access into real, scalable opportunities. Our vision is to make real-time payment innovation the new normal for every fintech in Kenya.”
The launch event brought together fintech leaders, regulators, and ecosystem enablers, underscoring the growing collaboration within the payments sector.
Over the past quarter, Pesalink has signed several partnership agreements with financial institutions and fintechs to enhance interoperability.
Kenya’s digital payments market continues to expand rapidly. According to SDK Finance, it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.1 per cent between 2024 and 2028. Reports by McKinsey describe Kenya as one of Africa’s most advanced real-time payment ecosystems, a recognition that highlights its leadership in digital finance.
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