15th-Jan-2026 • Martin Mwangi • Business Payments Platforms
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya are growing at an impressive rate, but managing finances remains a significant challenge. Traditional methods of payments such as bank transfers, cash, and cheques can be time-consuming, costly, and error-prone. However, the digital age has brought forth innovative business payment platforms that simplify financial transactions, making them faster, cheaper, and more secure.
These modern platforms offer a wide range of features designed to cater to the needs of small businesses, including invoicing, payments, receipts, expense tracking, and more. Let's explore some of the top business payment platforms available in Kenya that can help your SME thrive.
With over 29 million active users, M-PESA is undeniably the most popular mobile money platform in Kenya. It allows businesses to receive and send payments, pay bills, and make transactions with ease. The platform offers a Business Account that comes with various benefits such as lower transaction fees, bulk payment options, and a dedicated customer care line.
Developed by Safaricom, Lipa Na M-PESA is a mobile payment gateway for businesses that want to accept payments through the M-PESA network. It provides a simple solution for SMEs to collect payments from their customers without the need for expensive point-of-sale systems.
Lipabiz is a comprehensive business management platform that offers payment solutions for businesses. It provides an all-in-one solution for managing finances, invoicing, inventory, and customer relationships. With Lipabiz, SMEs can easily accept payments through various channels such as M-PESA, Airtel Money, Visa/MasterCard, and bank transfers.
PayPal is a globally recognized online payment system that allows businesses to accept payments securely. It offers a simple integration process and supports multiple currencies, making it an ideal choice for SMEs looking to expand their customer base beyond Kenya's borders.
Choosing the right business payment platform can significantly improve your SME's financial management. When selecting a platform, consider factors such as ease of use, transaction fees, security, and integration with other tools you may be using. Research each platform thoroughly to find the one that best suits your business needs.
By embracing digital payment solutions, SMEs in Kenya can focus on what matters most - growing their businesses and serving their customers more effectively.