Interswitch East Africa (Kenya) Limited has teamed up with Elie Technologies to launch a contactless payment solution to revolutionize how Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya handle transactions.

Dubbed “Tumatap,” the solution is designed to cater to the growing demand for faster and more convenient payment methods, transforming smartphones into point-of-sale (POS) systems for Merchants in Kenya. 

With this solution, the partners claim customers will be able to easily tap their card or their Android, iOS smartphone, or even feature phones, on a merchant’s smartphone to complete transactions.

This is expected to not only speed up the checkout process but also eliminate the need for additional hardware, making it easier for merchants to accept payments on the go.

In addition to simplifying payments, Tumatap is expected to provide merchants with real-time transaction data. This feature would offer valuable insights into customer behaviour, enabling businesses to enhance performance, reduce operational costs, and optimize efficiency.

The development comes after Interswitch, which operates under the oversight of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), was recently approved to process card transactions for Tumatap merchants.

The partnership combines Interswitch’s expertise in switching and processing with Elie Tech’s soft POS technology, providing real-time transaction processing and enhanced fraud protection.

Interswitch’s Regional Managing Director emphasized that the partnership allows them to leverage each other’s technological and operational expertise to deliver an enhanced payment experience for business owners and customers. 

Wesley Masinde, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Tuma Inc., shared similar enthusiasm about the partnership stating “The partnership will empower merchants with a powerful tool to enhance their payment processes and grow their businesses.”

Tumatap aligns with current consumer preferences for quick, tap-and-go transactions, offering a fast and convenient checkout experience. Beyond consumer convenience, the solution is expected to provide merchants with an affordable, efficient way to accept digital payments, reduce transaction costs, and boost operational efficiency.

This is expected to benefit a wide range of MSME businesses, including Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafeterias (HORECO), Bars, Spas, and small retail kiosks.

By providing MSMEs with advanced payment tools, Interswitch and Elie Technologies aim to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and the emerging digital economy.