Unaitas SACCO and PesaLink partnership sets benchmark for digital inclusion in Kenya

Unaitas SACCO and Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL), operator of the Pesalink instant payments network, today celebrated their landmark partnership, which has established a working model for digital inclusion by empowering SACCO members with instant, affordable, and seamless financial access.

The collaboration, which made Unaitas among the first SACCOs in Kenya to integrate with Pesalink, has evolved from a technology implementation to a proven blueprint for the entire cooperative movement. It is currently delivering real-time payments, simplifying transactions, and building greater trust in digital finance for Unaitas members.

The integration of Pesalink—Kenya’s de facto instant, open, and interoperable account-to-account transfer network—has transformed how Unaitas members manage their finances. With Pesalink now serving as the default instant-payment channel on Unaitas platforms, more than 400,000 members get continuous, 24/7 access to their funds. This is available via the Mo-Cash App and  USSD service on *493#, eliminating reliance on traditional banking hours.

24/7 account-to-account payments provide speed and flexibility for individuals and small businesses. A parent, for example, can pay school fees in seconds, not hours. Farmers and traders can restock or settle supplier payments after traditional business hours. Pesalink Send also provides immediate responses to a sudden financial need, without the wait for a branch to open.

“This is not just a technology launch; it’s a celebration of partnership, progress, and proof,” stated Gituku Kirika, Chief Executive Officer, IPSL. He emphasized Unaitas’ pioneering role, adding, “Unaitas was a trailblazer, and that single move has changed the narrative for the entire SACCO sector. This collaboration demonstrates how interoperable payments turn integration into impact by empowering SACCO members with instant, affordable, and inclusive access.”

The success of the integration highlights the critical role played by the SACCO sector in Kenya’s digital-finance inclusion story. They are a powerful economic force, comprising over 14 million members and holding more than KES 800 billion in deposits (SASRA 2024).

By integrating new payment solutions like Pesalink’s Bulk for real-time payroll disbursements and Pesalink Pay for merchant and supplier settlements, Unaitas is providing the sophisticated tools needed by SMEs, agribusinesses, Chamas (informal savings groups), and institutions.

“Harnessing Pesalink means a faster, more convenient, and secure way for our members to transact instantly. For Unaitas, it means better member experience, reduced manual processing, and a stronger foundation for digital growth,” said Martin Muhoho, Chief Executive Officer, Unaitas.

How to link your Co-operative Bank accounts to PesaLink

Muhoho added that, in the spirit of cooperation, Unaitas is committed to extending its experience to other smaller Saccos. “We have worked closely with the IPSL team to design this system, and the success has encouraged other cooperatives to explore integration. This partnership shows how inclusion can be achieved through interoperability, connecting Kenya’s robust savings culture to modern digital finance.”

The collaboration is a foundational step toward a truly national fast payment system that works for banks, fintechs, and SACCOs alike, ensuring that financial inclusion is about giving people control, speed, and choice in how they manage their money.