Kenya’s Pesalink and Fintech Alliance Team Up to Accelerate Real-Time Payments

Pesalink has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Fintech Alliance to strengthen ties between banks and fintech firms in Kenya, with a focus on advancing instant payments and improving interoperability across networks.

The MoU seeks to simplify the integration of fintechs with banks, encourage wider adoption of account-to-account payments, and promote a more inclusive digital payment ecosystem.

“Pesalink has always believed in the power of ecosystem partnerships,” said Gituku Kirika, CEO of IPSL. “This MoU provides a scalable model for fintechs and infrastructure providers to co-create and deliver smarter, faster solutions to the market. By aligning on standards and driving interoperability, we are unlocking more inclusive and efficient payment experiences for all.”

Part of the agreement includes running targeted awareness campaigns on fast payment systems, fraud prevention, and security protocols. Additionally, the two partners plan to launch an online platform to enable developers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and collaborate on solutions.

Ali Hussein Kassim, Chairperson of The Fintech Alliance, welcomed the agreement, saying, “This partnership signals a new chapter of collaboration between fintechs and the payments infrastructure that powers Kenya’s banking sector. It reflects our shared ambition to scale innovations that are not only commercially viable but also financially inclusive.”

The partnership aims to speed up the onboarding process for fintechs looking to integrate with Pesalink, enhancing the rollout of real-time bank transfers, merchant services, bill payments, and other instant payment solutions. Currently, over 27 fintechs are already connected to the Pesalink platform.