Jobs in Kenya: Opportunities in the M-Pesa ecosystem

Opportunities in the M-Pesa ecosystem

M-Pesa is a cornerstone of Kenya's mobile money landscape. Beyond transfers, the M-Pesa ecosystem includes payments, merchant solutions, compliance, data analytics, and product development. Companies in Nairobi and across the country offer roles in tech, sales, operations, and customer care as fintech adoption grows.

Roles you might find

• Software engineers, product managers, and data scientists working on payments infrastructure and mobile interfaces.
• Operations, risk, and compliance teams ensuring secure, compliant service delivery.
• Customer support, sales, and partnerships managers helping merchants and customers use M-Pesa effectively.
• Business analysts and data engineers turning usage data into insights for product improvements.

How to prepare and apply

• Build skills in relevant areas: software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and product design.
• Gain hands-on experience through internships, hackathons, or student projects focused on mobile money or fintech.
• Create a tailored CV and cover letter that highlight fintech projects and familiarity with mobile payments.
• Demonstrate language and communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Network with recruiters and learn about internships through university career offices or local fintech meetups.

Key skills and qualifications

Technical roles

• Software development (backend, frontend, or full-stack) and mobile app development.
• Data analytics, data engineering, and business intelligence.
• Cybersecurity, encryption, and secure payment architectures.
• Knowledge of payments standards and regulatory requirements.

Customer-facing and operational roles

• Customer support and success, training, and support for merchants.
• Sales, partnerships, and merchant onboarding.
• Operations and risk management to prevent fraud and ensure compliance.

Soft skills

• Problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

Where to look for jobs

Companies to watch

• Safaricom and the M-Pesa ecosystem as core employers.
• Fintech startups and payment providers operating in Kenya.
• Banks and financial institutions expanding digital payments.

Job boards and internships

• LinkedIn and major Kenyan boards (BrighterMonday, Fuzu, MyJobMag).
• University career portals and fintech hackathons or internship programs.
• Local tech meetups, incubators, and accelerators that connect talent with roles.

Tips for applicants

Crafting a standout resume

• Highlight fintech projects, internships, and any hands-on work with payments systems.
• Quantify impact when possible (e.g., improved checkout speed, reduced fraud).
• Include relevant certifications (e.g., data analytics, cloud, security).

Building a network in Kenya's fintech scene

• Attend industry meetups, talk to recruiters, and engage in online fintech communities.
• Follow Safaricom and M-Pesa channels for career announcements.
• Seek informational interviews to learn about teams and roles that fit your skills.