By Eddah Waithaka
Unaitas SACCO and Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL), the operator of the Pesalink network, today celebrated a landmark partnership that is now delivering instant, 24/7 financial access to over 400,000 members, establishing a working model for the entire cooperative movement.
This collaboration, which made Unaitas one of the first SACCOs to integrate with Pesalink, has evolved from a simple technology upgrade into a proven blueprint for digital inclusion.
The partnership now empowers SACCO members with seamless, affordable transactions, building greater trust in digital finance.
The integration places Pesalink, Kenya’s leading instant, open, and interoperable account-to-account network as the default payment channel across Unaitas platforms.
This move eliminates members’ reliance on traditional banking hours, giving them continuous access to their funds through the Mo-Cash App and the USSD service *493#.
“This is not just a technology launch; it’s a celebration of partnership, progress, and proof,” stated Gituku Kirika, Chief Executive Officer of IPSL.
He praised Unaitas as a trailblazer, adding, “This collaboration demonstrates how interoperable payments turn integration into impact by empowering SACCO members with instant, affordable, and inclusive access.”
The partnership directly addresses the needs of Kenya’s powerful SACCO sector, which serves over 14 million members and holds more than KES 800 billion in deposits.
For Unaitas members including parents paying school fees in seconds or farmers settling payments after hours the system provides critical speed and flexibility.
The success is now inspiring wider adoption across the cooperative movement. “Harnessing Pesalink means a faster, more convenient, and secure way for our members to transact instantly,” said Martin Muhoho, Chief Executive Officer of Unaitas.
“In the spirit of cooperation, we are committed to extending our experience to other smaller Saccos. This partnership shows how inclusion can be achieved through interoperability.”
By integrating advanced tools like Pesalink Bulk for payroll and Pesalink Pay for merchant settlements, the partnership provides sophisticated financial tools for SMEs, agribusinesses, and savings groups.
This foundational step connects Kenya’s robust savings culture to modern digital finance, ensuring financial inclusion delivers real control, speed, and choice for all Kenyans.
Integrated Payment Services Limited(IPSL) operates Pesalink, Kenya’s leading instant, open, and interoperable account-to-account payment platform.
It enables individuals and businesses to send and receive money instantly between accounts at different participating financial institutions.
Unaitas SACCO is a leading financial services cooperative in Kenya,providing a wide range of savings and credit products to its members.
It is dedicated to empowering individuals and enterprises through innovative and accessible financial solutions.
