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In a strategic move aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), PesaLink and TendePay have signed a partnership that will integrate real-time interbank payment rails with advanced spend management tools.
Nairobi, Kenya — September 26, 2025 (EAT).
In a strategic move aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), PesaLink and TendePay have signed a partnership that will integrate real-time interbank payment rails with advanced spend management tools. The collaboration promises faster, cheaper, and more transparent financial operations for Kenya’s SMEs.
Under the deal, SMEs will be able to send bulk or single payments of up to KES 999,999 instantly, 24/7, across banks using PesaLink’s payment infrastructure.
TendePay will layer spend control features such as approval workflows, user limits, and real-time visibility into cash flows and expenses.
One of the headline benefits: transaction tariffs for some bank customers will be cut by nearly 50%, making digital payments more affordable for small businesses.
The partnership combines PesaLink’s reach across over 80 banks, Saccos, telcos, and fintechs with TendePay’s evolving platform that began as petty-cash management.
Cost reduction is a major barrier for many SMEs shifting from cash-based to digital operations. By lowering transaction fees, the partnership lowers that barrier.
Efficiency gains: One unified platform for payables, receivables, payroll, and vendor payments cuts down reconciliation time and manual errors.
Interoperability: Linking spend tools with the payments backbone enhances seamlessness—an important trait in Kenya’s fragmented financial ecosystem.
SME inclusion: Many small businesses, including in sectors like transport, hospitality, education, and logistics, will benefit from better access to financial tools.
Security & fraud: As digital transactions increase, so do risks. The partners will need to invest heavily in fraud detection, compliance, and cybersecurity.
Onboarding & adoption: There may be resistance or friction among SMEs unfamiliar with digital systems or lacking robust banking relationships.
Regulatory environment: Oversight from bodies like the Central Bank of Kenya and data privacy regulation will influence how smoothly this integration proceeds.
System stability: High transaction volumes and real-time demands require resilient infrastructure and contingency planning.
Rollout timeline: When the full features become available to all tiers of SMEs, especially in rural or underbanked areas.
Adoption metrics: How many SMEs migrate from cash or mobile money to this unified capability.
Pricing structure changes: Whether further cost reductions or tiered models are offered.
Competitor response: Whether other fintechs or banks launch counter offers or partner themselves to similar platforms.
