Kenyan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing operational and administrative challenges despite growing adoption of digital payments, with fragmented business management systems limiting efficiency and access to financing, a new Visa report shows.
The Pay and Get Paid 2026 report found that although most surveyed businesses actively make and receive digital payments, only 19 percent use integrated platforms that combine payment services with day-to-day business management.
The findings point to a wider digitization challenge among SMEs, where adopting digital payments has not necessarily translated into more efficient financial management, leaving businesses to handle invoicing, payroll and financial reporting through separate systems.
The survey found that 30 percent of SMEs struggle to track outstanding invoices, while 27 percent have difficulties organizing payroll records.
Another 26 percent cited challenges in preparing financial reports, highlighting administrative burdens that can affect business productivity and financial visibility.The report also identifies an opportunity for lenders to use payment histories and business management data to develop a clearer picture of SME cash flows, potentially improving risk assessment and the design of financing products.
