Kenya continues to lead the way in Africa’s fintech revolution.
From mobile lending apps to digital savings and investment platforms, Kenyan fintech startups are transforming how people access, use, and grow money—making financial services more inclusive than ever.
In this post, we break down the top fintech startups in Kenya to watch in 2025, based on innovation, user impact, funding, and scalability.
Let’s dive in.
Top 7 Fintech Startups in Kenya (2025)
1. M-Pesa by Safaricom
The OG of Kenyan fintech
✅ Mobile money pioneer with over 50 million users
✅ New features in 2025: M-Pesa Global+, instant virtual cards, and micro-investments
✅ Integrated bill payments, savings, loans, and insurance
Still at the center of Kenya’s digital financial ecosystem—constantly evolving.
2. Tala
Powering instant mobile credit
✅ Micro-loans disbursed via mobile
✅ Over 6 million users in Kenya
✅ Real-time credit scoring using smartphone data
✅ Borrow amounts from Ksh 500 to Ksh 50,000
Tala continues to unlock financial access for the underserved.
3. Chumz App
Smart saving, made simple
✅ Micro-savings based on behavior triggers (like spending or receiving money)
✅ Integrated with M-Pesa
✅ Designed for young, first-time savers
✅ Easy group saving features
Perfect for people who want to save without feeling it.
4. Pesapal
Digital payments for businesses and consumers
✅ Accepts card, M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and more
✅ Powers e-commerce, ticketing, and restaurant payments
✅ Recently expanded to support BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)
✅ Licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya
A key player for seamless digital payments in East Africa.
5. PesaKit
Agent banking meets mobile tech
✅ Empowers M-Pesa agents with tools to grow their business
✅ Offers float financing, analytics, and inventory tracking
✅ Used by over 10,000 agents across Kenya
✅ AI-driven insights for smarter financial operations
Revolutionizing how mobile agents operate across the country.
6. Zazipay
Kenya’s rising BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) platform
✅ Helps users access products & services and pay in instalments
✅ Focused on electronics, education, and healthcare
✅ Built-in credit scoring and payment reminders
✅ Great for online shoppers and businesses
A game-changer for middle-income Kenyans looking for flexible spending options.
7. Jumo
Invisible banking infrastructure
✅ Partners with banks, telcos & fintechs to deliver credit at scale
✅ AI-driven underwriting
✅ Operates in multiple African countries including Kenya
✅ Over 120 million loans issued to date
You may not see Jumo—but it powers many of the apps you use.
Fintech Trends in Kenya to Watch (2025)
- BNPL Boom: More startups are offering “Buy Now, Pay Later” models to tap into Gen Z and millennial spending habits.
- AI in Lending: Apps are using AI to offer smarter, faster, and safer loan decisions.
- Micro-Investing: Platforms enabling Kenyans to invest from as little as Ksh 100 in real assets and funds.
- Agent Empowerment: Tools that help mobile money agents and shopkeepers become micro-banks.
Why Fintech Is Booming in Kenya
Kenya is the Silicon Savannah for a reason:
- ✅ High mobile penetration (over 90%)
- ✅ Supportive regulatory environment (CBK Sandbox Program)
- ✅ Large unbanked/underbanked population
- ✅ Local challenges driving world-class innovation
Whether you’re a developer, entrepreneur, investor, or curious consumer—Kenya’s fintech scene is worth watching closely.
Where to Explore These Fintechs
You can check out or download most of these apps via:
- Google Play Store / Apple App Store
- Official websites (always verify to avoid fraud)
- Startup events and demo days like Nairobi Innovation Week or Sankalp Africa
- Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and TikTok
Final Thoughts
The fintech wave in Kenya is not slowing down—it’s getting faster, smarter, and more impactful.
From saving a few coins daily to sending money across borders in seconds, these startups are building a more inclusive and digitized financial future for all Kenyans.
