KCB Group Plc has announced plans to acquire a minority stake in Pesapal Limited, a payment service provider licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya.

The announcement, made via the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) X post dated November 3, 2025, marks a strategic move aimed at enhancing payment solutions for Kenya’s small and microenterprises.

“We are delighted to inform our shareholders and the investing public that KCB Group Plc (KCB) has, on 31 October 2025, entered into an agreement to acquire a minority stake in Pesapal Limited (Pesapal),” the press release states.

The collaboration is expected to leverage the strengths of both entities in the financial services sector, fostering innovation in digital payments and related services.

The statement explained that Pesapal is a limited liability company licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya as a payment service provider.

Supporting small and micro enterprises

The acquisition is set to develop innovative payment and related solutions, targeting small and micro enterprises in Kenya. “The investment sets the stage for development of innovative payment and other related solutions for Kenya’s small and micro enterprises, enhancing value for shareholders of both Pesapal and KCB,” the announcement details.

This initiative aligns with KCB’s broader commitment to promoting financial inclusion and supporting the growth of enterprises that contribute significantly to the country’s economy.

The move is expected to create opportunities for technology-driven financial services, enabling faster, secure, and more accessible transactions for businesses and consumers alike.

Regulatory approvals and advisory

The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including obtaining regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Kenya. “The investment is subject to conditions that are customary to transactions of this nature, including receipt of regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Kenya,” the statement specifies, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and safeguarding stakeholder interests.

The announcement was made by Bonnie Okumu, KCB Group Company Secretary, and has been issued with the approval of the Capital Markets Authority in Kenya, which noted that it assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the statements in the release.

The acquisition represents a significant step in KCB’s strategic expansion in the digital payment space, pending the necessary regulatory clearances.