Kenya is often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah” due to its thriving technology industry. One particular sector that has seen tremendous growth in recent years is fintech. In fact, according to a recent study, the number of fintech startups in Kenya has increased by over 50% in the past 7 years, making it one of the fastest-growing fintech scenes in Africa. With such an array of innovative companies to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 30 fintech companies in Kenya, giving you an inside look at the companies that are shaping the future of finance in the region.
Before we delve into the list, you need to understand the meaning of a fintech company.
What is a fintech company?
Fintech, is a combination of two words, finance and technology. Therefore, this basically means that such companies are associated with finance and technology.
For a better understanding of the word, here is the definition from webster’s dictionary: “products and companies that employ newly developed digital and online technologies in the banking and financial services industries.” Etymology – short for financial technology.
With that in mind, it is important to note that fintech has risen to be more lucrative and pursued by many investors in Kenya as compared to other avenues such as Agri-tech and healthtech. This is according to a statistical report done by Fintech News Africa. With that out of the way;
Here are the top 28 fintech companies in Kenya
1. Cellulant
Operating across the African continent, this leading fintech company is dedicated to revolutionizing the way merchants and consumers transact. With a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to delivering relevant and alternative payment methods, Cellulant empowers merchants of all sizes to reach new customers and tap into new revenue streams. Whether it’s through mobile wallets, bank transfers, or other innovative payment options, Cellulant’s cutting-edge solutions help businesses in Africa thrive in an increasingly digital world.
2. M-Pesa
This is a finance technology owned by Safaricom that has been holding the economy of Kenya for the past two decades or more. In addition, the M-Pesa platform is available to all Safaricom-registered users and has been giving other similar platforms such as Airtel a run for their money. Safaricom’s M-Pesa has been expanding daily to a point that almost all mobile phone owners use the platform.
3. Tala
As one of the trailblazing mobile lending platforms in Kenya, Tala has gained a prominent position in the industry and become a household name among Kenyans. With over ten million downloads on the Google Playstore, Tala has established a reputation for providing quick and accessible loan options.
4. Branch
The Branch app is a mobile-based platform that provides financial services such as loans, savings, and insurance to customers through its mobile app. This platform uses a unique underwriting process that leverages mobile technology and data analysis to provide loans to underserved customers who may not have access to traditional banking services.
5. Okolea
This is a mobile-based lending platform that provides small loans to individuals who may not qualify in traditional bank systems. The platform offers a minimum and maximum amount to be loaned and a period of around 30 days. It is available on Google Playstore and Apple Store.
6. KCB Bank
With more than one hundred years of service, the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) is one of the leading traditional banks in the country. The bank offers a myriad of services such as salary accounts, savings, loans mortgages, etc.
7. Equity Bank
Equity bank was launched in 1894, two years before KCB bank, and has also grown into a leading bank in Kenya.
8. I&M Bank
I&M Bank is a leading financial services provider in Kenya. With a strong reputation and a long history of serving customers, I&M Bank offers a wide range of banking products and services, including personal and corporate banking, investment and wealth management, and trade finance. The bank was founded in 1974, making it younger than its counterparts mentioned above.
9. Chura
A cutting-edge, Kenyan-based mobile platform that enables users to effortlessly access airtime and mobile money services across various networks in the country.
10. Connect Africa Payment
A B2B technology solution that connects various payment networks, allowing members to effortlessly facilitate cross-network transfers.
What is a B2B technology?
B2B stands for “business-to-business.” This B2B technology refers to technology that is designed for companies to use in order to conduct business transactions with other companies, as opposed to technology designed for individuals to use for personal purposes. A good example of an international company that relies on this technology is Alibaba.
11. Direct Pay Online
A secure and user-friendly payment platform that simplifies payment processes for businesses. With Direct Pay Online, businesses can accept credit cards, mobile payments, and cross-border payments in select African markets.
12. Eastpesa
An innovative platform that provides users with the ability to send and receive the money within Kenya and throughout East Africa, including in Uganda and Tanzania.
13. Abacus
The innovative software solution provider, Abacus, empowers investors to tap into the vast potential of African financial markets with its state-of-the-art web and mobile applications.
14. GrassRoots Bima
GrassRoots Bima, a leading Insure-tech company, bridges the gap in insurance coverage by offering cutting-edge and inclusive insurance solutions that serve the masses.
15. JamboPay
Say goodbye to the hassle of traditional payment methods, and embrace the future with Jambo-Pay. This secure and user-friendly online payment gateway enables individuals to easily make and receive payments via mobile phones with just a few clicks.
Other well-performing fintech companies include;
- Ecobank Kenya
- Guaranty Trust Bank
- Diamond Trust Bank
- Airtel Money
- Equitel Money
- Carbon
- Twiga Foods
- PEAK Learning
- Sanlam Kenya
- Britam
- First Assurance
- CIC Insurance.
- Musoni
- Nomanini
- Packline Systems
Conclusion
In summary, fintech companies in Kenya are growing at super speeds in the country, creating competition among themselves and other companies.
