When Kenyan agripreneur Elijah Oenga inherited an 18-acre parcel of land in Oloosirkon, Tuala, in Kajiado County, he saw opportunity where others saw barrenness.

The property, acquired by his father in 1998 while Oenga was still a student, sits in one of Kenya’s arid and semi-arid landscapes, a region often dismissed as unsuitable for serious farming.

At first, Oenga shared the same doubts. The land appeared barren, covered in stubborn scrub and harsh savannah grass, and seemed unlikely to yield much.

Yet rather than sell it off, he made the decision to hold onto the inheritance and pursue a long-term plan to turn it into something productive.

Oenga, a graduate of Baraton University, later lived and worked in the United Kingdom, where he became deeply inspired by the country’s rich greenery. Scotland in particular left a lasting impression.

That exposure planted an idea: if the landscape could thrive there, perhaps elements of that success could be replicated back home, even in Kenya’s dry terrain.

After returning to Kenya, Oenga made a bold career shift. He walked away from positions as a procurement manager and a university lecturer to dedicate himself fully to developing the property.

The transformation began in 2017 with extensive clearing of rangau scrub, followed by soil restoration efforts and large-scale tree planting aimed at improving the land’s long-term fertility.

His farming venture took shape in 2018 when he invested Sh300,000 in his first greenhouse to cultivate basil. What started as a modest experiment has since grown into a thriving export operation. Today, Oenga runs 14 greenhouses producing basil for European markets.

Each greenhouse produces roughly 150 kilograms every 10 days, with a kilo going for Sh400. Onion sales also provide steady income, with prices ranging between Sh70 and Sh100 per kilogram depending on market demand and seasonality.

Beyond basil, his agribusiness includes bulb onion farming for the local market, an orchard featuring fruit and indigenous trees, and livestock rearing.

On the farm, he keeps poultry, ducks, rabbits and goats, building a diversified model designed to spread risk and generate multiple streams of income.

Building an Eco-Lodge and Events Destination

Oenga’s vision has expanded beyond farming. Five of the 18 acres have been developed into Ubuntu Kreative Village, an eco-lodge and events venue that blends hospitality with art, wellness and nature.

Located approximately eight kilometres from Ongata Rongai, the destination features a farmhouse, wellness stations, an events garden, and a gallery space that supports music and artistic performances. It has become a popular setting for weddings, cultural events and culinary experiences.

The farmhouse and an adjoining cottage currently provide four bedrooms, with expansion plans underway. Room rates range between Sh8,000 and Sh25,000 per night.

Guests also enjoy premium amenities including a sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath and massage facilities, offerings tailored to city residents seeking a quiet escape from Nairobi’s fast pace.

Environmental Turnaround

For Oenga, the most rewarding outcome has been environmental recovery. He recalls a time when the property was lifeless, with hardly any birds in sight.

Today, he says, more than 20 bird species regularly visit the land, a sign of ecosystem restoration that he considers one of his greatest achievements.

The entrepreneur’s journey has not come without challenges. He says some ventures, including strawberries, tomatoes, capsicum and Kuroiler chicken farming, failed to take off.

Additionally, water scarcity remains a persistent obstacle, forcing him to invest in water harvesting systems and boreholes to sustain both farming and hospitality operations.

Labour is another challenge, with the difficulty of securing and retaining skilled workers posing an ongoing concern.

Still, Oenga credits patience, calculated risk-taking, and diversification for keeping the enterprise resilient.

Also Read: Beyond M-Pesa: How Kenyan Businesses Accept Online Payments

Nairobi, Kenya, March 26, 2026 … With just two weeks to go before Nairobi hosts Africa’s most significant urban development gathering, Kenya has secured a strategic financial and technical partnership with Azerbaijan to support the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2).

The agreement, signed in Nairobi, will see Azerbaijan, through the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA), support the successful delivery of the Forum, reinforcing Kenya’s role as a continental hub for urban policy, dialogue and innovation.

AUF2, hosted by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the African Union, is expected to convene policymakers, city leaders, urban planners and development partners from across Africa and beyond to advance practical solutions for inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, said: “In less than two weeks, Nairobi will bring Africa and the world together, and through this partnership, we are ensuring that the conversations we start here continue globally in Baku. That continuity is what will drive real change for our cities.”

She added:

“For Kenya, this is also an opportunity to showcase the progress we are making in housing, urban renewal and sustainable city development, while learning from global partners and scaling solutions that work for our people.”

The partnership comes at a pivotal moment as Kenya continues to position itself at the centre of conversations shaping the future of African cities, amid rapid urbanisation and growing demand for sustainable infrastructure and housing.

Kenya ready to host second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi

Sultan Hajiyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kenya, underscored the shared ambition between the two countries: “Nairobi and Baku are connected in purpose. The discussions at the Africa Urban Forum will naturally feed into the World Urban Forum, creating a shared platform where Africa and the global community can learn from each other and act together.”

The collaboration establishes a strategic link between AUF2 and the World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place in Baku from May 17–22, 2026, positioning the two gatherings as complementary platforms advancing global urban dialogue and action.

Azerbaijan will be represented at AUF2 by a high-level delegation led by H.E. Anar Guliyev, National Coordinator of WUF13 and Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture. The delegation will include senior government officials, representatives from the State Support Agency for NGOs, and private sector players, reflecting a multi-stakeholder approach to urban transformation.

The Second Africa Urban Forum builds on the outcomes of the inaugural forum held in Addis Ababa in 2024 and is expected to culminate in the Nairobi Declaration, which will articulate Africa’s common position on housing and human settlements, while showcasing locally driven solutions, innovation and partnerships.

Accept payments easily and safely. Mobile money, bank cards, and digital wallets — everything in one integration.

Why Kenyan business needs a modern payment gateway

For many years, mobile money was the main way of payment in Kenya. M-Pesa changed the lives of millions of people. But today, customers want more.

If you are looking for a reliable payment gateway in Kenya, A-Pay covers all needs. Modern buyers expect choice. They want to pay with cards, through bank transfers, and QR codes. They need a fast checkout both on the internet and in normal stores. A good Kenya payment gateway must work with different payment methods, be safe, and be fast. This is exactly what we offer.

How payments in Kenya changed

The payment market of Kenya has gone a huge way. Digital payment started with mobile money, and now it is a complex ecosystem of many payment methods.

Before, online payment gateways worked only with cards. But Kenya is a special market. Here, payment service providers must accept mobile money, cards, and new tools. A-Pay understands this specificity. Our payment solution fits everyone — from online stores in Nairobi to entrepreneurs trading across Africa.

The market does not stand still. Tingg and iPay Africa appear, DPO and Pesapal grow. But a business needs one payment gateway that allows businesses to accept everything at once. With A-Pay, it works this way.

High-speed internet, mobile apps, online payments: how betting companies influenced Africa’s digitalization

Why mobile money is already not enough

Mobile money gave Kenya financial inclusion. This is a fact. But for modern commerce, other tools are needed.

Imagine situations:

• A tourist wants to pay with their card
  
• A store needs to accept payment from guests of the country
  
• A customer asks for an instalment for an expensive purchase
  
• A company accepts payments from neighboring countries
  

If you accept only mobile money, you lose customers. The best payment gateway in Kenya must offer a wide choice. A-Pay collects everything in one window.

What a good payment gateway gives to a business

A modern Kenya payment gateway solves several tasks:

Launches online sales

Without online payment processing, normal commerce on the internet is impossible. A payment gateway that allows businesses to collect online payments opens your store for everyone.

Increases trust

When a customer sees a familiar payment method, they buy more willingly. A payment gateway in Kenya with support for mobile money shows that you understand the local market.

Helps to go abroad

Kenyan companies trade across Africa and worldwide. For cross-border payments, a payment processor is needed that understands several currencies and countries, including Nigeria.

Speeds up money

Fast payouts = healthy cash flow. Payment gateway integration with short settlement times helps businesses grow.

How online payments happen

When a customer clicks “pay”, their data goes to the payment processor. The payment gateway encrypts sensitive customer information and sends it to the banking system. A good payment service provider and payment gateway makes this process invisible for the buyer. They just see “successful”. And the system checks money, confirms security, and processes the transaction. A-Pay takes this complexity on itself. We encrypt everything. Our panel shows each operation. M-Pesa, cards, or transfer — the process is always simple.

Sell more online with Co-op Bank’s Chapa Pay e-commerce solution

The best payment gateways of Kenya: who is who

Different payment gateway providers work in the market. Let’s compare the main players:

DPO Group: cross-border leader

DPO Group grew into a major player among African online payment gateways. Now they are part of Network International. DPO is strong in cross-border payments and works in multiple African countries, including Kenya and Nigeria. If your business is oriented to abroad, DPO pay is a working option. They have good infrastructure and support of different currencies.

Minus: difficult entry. For a small business connection can seem heavy.

Pesapal: local favorite

Pesapal is one of the most recognizable payment service providers in Kenya. They know the local market отлично. Pesapal is friendly with mobile money and M-Pesa. Many Kenyan stores choose Pesapal as the main payment gateway in Kenya. Their checkout is familiar to local buyers. But Pesapal is tied to Kenya. If you plan to expand to other countries, most likely, more providers will be needed.

iPay Africa and Tingg: new names

iPay Africa and Tingg offer a fresh look at the Kenya payment gateway. They have modern tools and good developer support. iPay Africa gives a strong API and accepts QR codes and contactless payments. The platform fits those who build non-standard solutions. Tingg (from iPay Africa) is sharpened for recurring payments and utilities. It works well for schools, subscriptions, and housing and services.

API or ready page: what to choose

You can connect a payment gateway in two ways:

• API — for those who want to manage everything themselves. Developers embed payment gateway integration directly into your site. A-Pay gives detailed documentation.
  
• Ready page — simpler. The payment gateway itself leads the customer through the secure page. You just send the buyer there. Ideal for small projects.
  

A-Pay works in both modes. Choose for your силы.

Security: our main concern

Payment gateways work with sensitive customer information. This data must be under protection. All serious payment gateway providers follow PCI-DSS. A-Pay complies with these standards. In addition, we:

• Encrypt all customer data
  
• Track suspicious operations
  
• Regularly check security
  
• Tokenize card data
  

Each online transaction is protected at the level of large banks.

What payment methods to offer customers

The right set of a variety of payment methods increases sales. Kenyans like:

• Mobile money. Without M-Pesa and Airtel, nowhere. Any payment gateway in Kenya must support them.
  
• Bank cards. Tourists and wealthy buyers expect credit and debit cards. Their use in Kenya grows.
  
• QR codes. Youth like to pay by QR. For normal stores, this is a convenient option.
  
• Bank transfers. Good for B2B when sums are large.
  

A-Pay covers all these needs. The customer pays as they want — you receive money.

Cards through DPO Pay

Card payments are important for several reasons:

• Foreigners use cards
  
• Online buyers expect card payment
  
• Expensive goods are often bought by card
  
• Subscriptions are convenient to charge from cards
  

A-Pay works with DPO to give you reliable card infrastructure. Everything is managed from one panel.

E-wallets expand the audience

Besides mobile money, there are digital wallets. They attract:

• Youth that does not part with the phone
  
• Foreigners with their PayPal
  
• Users who like bonuses from wallets
  

A-Pay connects to different wallets. Customers choose convenience; you just sell.

The future of payments in Kenya

The digital payment market in Kenya changes every year. Here is what awaits us:

• Financial accessibility grows. More and more Kenyans are using cashless payment. The market expands.
  
• Cross-border payments become an ordinary дело. Kenyan companies trade with neighbors. DPO and others help with this.
  
• New payment methods appear constantly. QR codes, biometrics, and cryptocurrencies — this is no longer fiction.
  
• Money transfers from abroad remain an important part of the economy.
  

A-Pay keeps up with time. We update our payment solution for new realities.

Ready to accept any payments in Kenya?

Enough losing customers because of inconvenient payment. Accept mobile money, cards, and wallets through one payment gateway in Kenya.

Frequent questions

Which gateway should small businesses in Kenya choose?

A-Pay. Simple connection, honest prices, all payment methods.

Do you accept M-Pesa?

Yes. Mobile money works excellently — both M-Pesa and Airtel.

How to accept payments from abroad?

A-Pay supports cross-border payments. Foreigners pay, you receive KSH.

Do you have PCI-DSS security?

Yes, we follow standards and encrypt all data.

Is a website required to work with you?

No. You can accept by links or via invoice.

How much do you take?

Prices are transparent. Write — we will tell you for your volume.

Do you accept cards?

Yes, through partnership with DPO Pay.

When does money arrive?

Usually, the next day. It happens faster, too.

Rapid technological progress has laid the groundwork for the future development of the iGaming industry.

Desktop platforms are a thing of the past, and 2026 marked the final shift of users toward mobile apps. More than 70 percent of betting activity in Africa now takes place on smartphones and tablets.

Mobile-first is not a passing trend, but the new logic of the iGaming market

Over 94 percent of users place bets on their smartphones, and leading operators have embraced this trend as the fundamental logic of the market, adapting their products in line with it.

1xBet was among the leaders in mobile betting, offering customers a responsive version of its official website and optimized mobile applications for iOS and Android. These allow users to place bets on the go and stay connected to the action at all times.

The growing popularity of mobile technology is shaping new approaches and generating revenue. The African iGaming market is expanding rapidly and has already reached $17.6 billion.

In many countries across the continent, smartphones have become the primary channel for accessing betting services. For this reason, an effective mobile platform is a must-have for every operator.

Given unstable internet connections and a wide range of device capabilities, technical optimization of the product is particularly significant. For example, the 1xBet app is designed for low data usage and stable performance even with limited resources.

Thanks to advances in mobile technology, the African iGaming sector is growing in both revenue and user activity. Today, it has over 440 million active players, and that number continues to rise daily.

Localization as a key to success

The African iGaming industry is a multi-tiered market comprising various countries, each with its own unique features.

1xBet offers the ideal combination of global expertise and regional flexibility, providing customers with a user-friendly interface featuring intuitive localization and a wide range of payment options, including services from niche operators.

Cash transactions via payment agents, as well as mobile services for depositing and withdrawing funds, are very popular in Africa, and 1xBet has integrated these solutions into its mobile platform.

In many countries, mobile wallets have become the primary financial tool for betting, further reinforcing the role of mobile apps as a crucial point of interaction with users.

Today, users choose a provider based on its experience and achievements, rather than the competitive advantages highlighted in commercials.

1xBet mobile offers a combination of speed, reliability, and convenience that creates a comfortable environment for an engaging gaming experience.

1xBet is at the forefront of building a new iGaming infrastructure in Africa

1xBet doesn’t simply follow market trends, but shapes a new market paradigm based on the mobile-first principle.

The brand’s mobile platform meets all players’ needs and is fully aligned with mobile-first user behavior.

At the same time, the company is constantly working to optimize the product and integrate new ideas.

Thanks to this approach, 1xBet has earned recognition from users and industry experts alike, winning the Best on Mobile 2026 award at SiGMA Africa 2026.

The company’s product has come to embody the new reality of mobile-first betting, strengthening its position in this strategically significant region.

In 2026, mobile betting no longer competes with desktop – it has completely replaced it. Products such as 1xBet mobile are setting the new standard in the market.

Also Read: 1xBet 2025: Strengthening Markets, Communities, and Trust

NCBA Group 2025 full year net profit has risen by 7 percent to Sh23.4 billion. In the previous full year 2024, the banking group had posted a net profit of Sh21.87 billion.

The profit for the full year 2025 was derived from a profit before tax of Sh27.9 billion which was an increase of 11 percent from the profit before tax that was realized in the previous year.

During the year under review, customer deposits increased by 5.95 percent to Sh531.87 billion from the previous Sh502.02 billion, while total assets increased by 7.5 percent to Sh716.1 billion.

At the same time, net customer loans and advances jumped by 4.99 percent to Sh317.16 billion from the Sh302.08 billion that was recorded the previous year.

Gross non-performing loans went down by 6.7 percent to Sh34.7 billion. The banking group announced that the equity attributable to shareholders had increased by 16.2 percent to Sh127.5 billion.

In the same vein, the total dividend per share jumped by 29.1 percent during the financial year under review to Sh7.10.

This will follow a final dividend payment of Sh4.60 per share. On October 2, 2025, NCBA had paid shareholders an interim dividend of Sh2.5 per share. In the previous year, shareholders had received a total dividend payment of Sh5.50 per share.

Speaking when the banking group released its results, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer John Gachora said that the NCBA Group was now firmly a $5 billion business serving over 65 million customers across different markets in Africa.

He went on to reveal that the bank had now hit Sh1 trillion in loan disbursements, a testament to the group’s position as a solid financier of individuals, micro small and medium enterprises, and large businesses across the continent.

Gachora: Why NCBA Group agreed to Nedbank’s Sh110 billion offer 

The NCBA Group Director of Finance David Abwoga announced that regional subsidiaries had contributed Sh3.6 billion to the total profitability. This was equivalent to 13 percent. Non-banking subsidiaries on the other hand brought in Sh1.5 billion profit before tax.

On revenue growth, the Kenyan unit alone accounted for about 85 percent of the banking group’s revenue.

“The Kenyan bank subsidiary remains NCBA Group’s main profit engine, contributing 82 percent of profit before tax and growing at a 27 percent compound annual growth (CAGR) since the year 2020 to Sh22.9 billion. This, driven by balance sheet growth and margin management,” said Abwoga.

“NCBA has consistently provided growing returns for our stakeholders, driven by disciplined growth, effective risk management, and sustainable business practices.”

At the same time, the NCBA Group announced that the acquisition of a 66 percent stake by Nedbank has been strategically designed to accelerate long term growth while provide growth and value for shareholders.

“We chose Nedbank for good reasons. Nedbank has been listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) since 1969. One of our key pillars is expanding into new markets , and as such, it made sense to have a strong parent,” said Gachora, adding that the banking group has made significant progress in the regulatory approval process.

Mr. Gachora announced that the impressive performance in the full year 2025 marked the conclusion of the bank’s 2020 to 2025 strategic cycle. Over this period, the bank focused on customer experience, retail expansion, corporate banking leadership, digital transformation, and organizational culture.

Now, the NCBA Group has launched a new strategy dubbed the Ubuntu Strategy covering the 2026 to 2030 period. According to Mr. Gachora, this strategy marks a shift to precision growth and ecosystem expansion.

It will be anchored on four principles which shall include the strengthening of core banking operations and data capabilities, the scaling of high growth segments including small and medium enterprises, consumer and insurance, expansion into new markets and sectors, and the building of a future-ready, purpose-driven organization.