I&M Bank–Visa Deal Targets Faster, Wider Digital Transactions for Kenyan Customers
I&M Bank has signed an agreement with Visa aimed at expanding digital payment infrastructure in Kenya, widening access to card-based financial tools, and improving cross-border transaction capabilities for consumers and businesses.
The deal centers on upgrading settlement systems, scaling Visa-powered card products, and strengthening payment reliability as Kenya’s banking sector continues shifting toward digital-first transactions.
The collaboration is designed to support faster processing, improve transaction security, and extend modern payment access to communities where formal digital tools remain limited.
The agreement comes as Kenyan banks compete to grow transaction income while responding to customer demand for secure, mobile-integrated payment options that work seamlessly across domestic and international markets.
Focus on infrastructure and cross-border capability
Under the I&M Bank–Visa deal, the bank will deepen its integration with Visa’s global payment rails to support quicker settlement cycles and smoother international transfers.
Businesses are expected to benefit from more predictable payment flows, while retail customers gain expanded access to cross-border commerce and travel-related spending.
The initiative also includes scaling Visa-backed premium and everyday card offerings to broaden adoption among Kenya’s urban professionals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The bank says the strategy is intended to combine physical branch growth with technology-led service delivery.
Kihara Maina, Kihara Maina, Regional CEO of I&M Bank, said the next phase of collaboration focuses on expanding local access to Visa-enabled solutions and improving transaction speed and security for customers.
“We are delighted to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Visa through this strategic agreement. 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.”
The signing ceremony was conducted alongside Chad S. Pollock, Visa’s Vice President and General Manager for East Africa.
Building on an established payments relationship
The partnership builds on several joint initiatives dating back to 2018, when the institutions introduced premium Visa card products targeted at high-income earners and mid-career professionals.
Those offerings expanded Kenya’s access to travel-focused financial services, loyalty ecosystems, and advanced digital security controls.
Subsequent collaborations introduced mobile-based card security features, including instant card blocking tools, as well as Verified by Visa protections to strengthen online shopping safeguards. These systems contributed to faster fraud response and improved customer oversight of card activity.
Premium card holders have also accessed international travel benefits such as airport lounge entry, concierge services, and purchase protection programs, positioning card usage as part of a broader digital lifestyle offering tied to payments, travel, and commerce.
Strategy tied to branch expansion and digital adoption
The Visa agreement follows I&M Bank’s plan to expand its physical branch footprint to 100 outlets by the end of 2026 while maintaining a technology-driven service model.
Bank executives say digital payments remain central to customer acquisition and retention, particularly as mobile commerce and cross-border transactions grow in importance for Kenyan households and businesses.
Industry analysts note that partnerships between banks and global payment networks are increasingly focused on interoperability, fraud resilience, and customer convenience, which are areas that influence both transaction volumes and fee income in competitive retail banking markets.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.
