Visa and I&M Bank Announce Partnership to Accelerate Digital Payments in Kenya
Strategic partnership advances the bank’s digitization agenda and ambition to build robust digital payment infrastructure in Kenya
Nairobi 16th February 2026 – I&M Bank Limited, one of East Africa's leading financial institutions and Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, today announced the signing of an agreement aimed at strengthening digital payment infrastructure and expanding Visa powered products adoption in the Kenyan market.
The partnership is expected to have a notable impact throughout the region, supporting both economic growth and financial inclusion. Its goals include upgrading payment systems in under-served areas and improving options for cross-border payments, which will help promote regional trade.
The initiative also plans to expand access to secure digital payment services for businesses and consumers alike. Small and medium enterprises will benefit from new payment solutions, while advanced security measures will improve protection for consumers.
“We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Visa through this strategic agreement, which advances our digitization agenda and ambition to build robust digital payment infrastructure in Kenya. This next phase is about scaling our success in our home market and accelerating growth. By deepening our collaboration locally, we will expand access to innovative Visa-powered solutions, enhance cross-border capabilities for Kenyan customers and businesses, and deliver faster, more secure, and seamless payment experiences across the country” said, Kihara Maina, Regional CEO, I&M Bank.
"Visa is committed to fostering innovation and empowering consumers and businesses across East Africa," said Chad Pollock, Vice President and General Manager, Visa East Africa. "By combining Visa's global network and payment expertise with I&M Bank's strong regional presence and deep market knowledge, we will deliver increased value to consumers and businesses with tools to make their financial lives more simple, reliable, and secure."
Through this partnership, I&M Bank customers and businesses in Kenya will experience tangible improvements in how they buy or sell, send or receive money seamlessly.
- For Consumers: Faster and more secure card transactions, seamless online and mobile payments, enhanced fraud protection, and access to innovative Visa-powered solutions that make everyday payments simpler and more convenient.
- For Businesses and SMEs: Wider card acceptance, improved e-commerce capabilities, efficient payment processing, and easier cross-border transactions to support regional and international trade.
- For Cross-Border Customers: Smoother international payment flows, better foreign exchange efficiencies, and greater connectivity to global commerce networks.
This collaboration reinforces I&M Bank’s commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and innovative digital payment solutions that enhance customer experience and drive inclusive economic growth across the region.
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About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
About I&M Bank Limited
I&M Bank is a leading Tier 1 commercial bank in Kenya. Since its inception in 1974, the Bank has grown steadily to become a leading commercial bank offering a full range of Corporate, Business and Personal financial services solutions. I&M Bank is wholly owned by I&M Group PLC which is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. I&M Bank prides itself on its strong values and key strengths of innovative service and best customer experience. Through these pillars, I&M Bank aspires to be Kenya’s leading Financial Partner for Growth through provision of innovative and customer driven financial services solutions for its target segments.
For more information visit www.imbankgroup.com
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Bryan Wesonga