SaaS and software companies in Kenya usually pair a Kenyan shilling business account with a foreign currency account to hold overseas revenue, since most customers pay in US dollars. Global card processors do not onboard companies registered in Kenya directly, so founders often collect through a gateway or a receiving service, or bill through a foreign entity. Figures here are as of 25 March 2026.
Suits SaaS and Software best
Depends on how you bill; a Kenyan bank shilling and foreign currency account such as Stanbic Bank Kenya or Standard Chartered Kenya, paired with a receiving service or gateway for overseas card revenue.
Typical monthly fee
Bank accounts carry account and transaction charges, while gateways and receiving services charge per transaction, often a percentage of the amount. Verify current pricing.
Non resident position
A registered Kenyan business and a company KRA PIN are required for a local account. Global card processors generally do not onboard Kenya registered companies, so some founders incorporate a foreign entity. Verify with the provider.
Providers that fit
Three covered here
Fees and features as of 25 March 2026Last reviewed 25 March 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
SaaS and software companies in Kenya typically pair a Kenyan shilling business account with a foreign currency account to hold US dollar revenue. Because global card processors do not onboard companies registered in Kenya directly, founders collect through a gateway such as Flutterwave or a receiving service such as Payoneer, or bill through a foreign entity. Information as of 25 March 2026, not advice.
What SaaS and Software in Kenya need from a business account
A SaaS or software company needs to collect recurring card payments, hold and convert foreign currency, and reconcile many small transactions. Most customers pay in US dollars, so the usual setup in Kenya is a shilling business account paired with a foreign currency account. Global card processors generally do not onboard companies registered in Kenya directly, so founders either collect through a gateway such as Flutterwave or a receiving service such as Payoneer, or incorporate a foreign entity to bill customers and remit funds back.
S
Stanbic Bank Kenya
Part of a large pan African group, with a business current account that can be held in shillings and major foreign currencies, suited to software firms holding overseas revenue.
Best for
Companies holding US dollar and other foreign revenue
Monthly fee
Minimum opening deposit and account charges apply; verify current pricing
An international bank in Kenya with foreign currency accounts, treasury, and cross border services suited to software companies billing overseas customers.
Best for
Companies with cross border revenue and treasury needs
Monthly fee
Account and transaction charges apply; verify current pricing
A receiving service used by Kenyan software firms and freelancers to collect US dollars and other currencies from clients and marketplaces, then withdraw to a local bank account.
Best for
Companies collecting overseas card and marketplace revenue
Monthly fee
Per transaction and withdrawal fees; verify current pricing and eligibility
The international business account providers we compare do not confirm an account for companies registered in Kenya as of 25 March 2026, and global card processors generally do not onboard Kenya registered companies. The providers listed above serve this market: Kenyan banks such as Stanbic Bank Kenya and Standard Chartered Kenya for shilling and foreign currency accounts, alongside a gateway such as Flutterwave or a receiving service such as Payoneer for overseas revenue. Confirm current terms with each provider before applying.
Questions about banking for SaaS and Software in Kenya
Can a SaaS company in Kenya accept international card payments?
Global card processors generally do not onboard companies registered in Kenya directly, so founders collect through a gateway such as Flutterwave or a receiving service such as Payoneer, or bill through a foreign entity. As of 25 March 2026, confirm current availability with each provider.
How do software companies in Kenya hold US dollar revenue?
Most pair a Kenyan shilling business account with a foreign currency account at a bank such as Stanbic Bank Kenya or Standard Chartered Kenya to hold and convert US dollars. As of 25 March 2026, confirm the available currencies and terms with the provider.
Do Kenyan SaaS founders use a foreign company to bill customers?
Some incorporate a foreign entity to access global card processors and then remit funds to a Kenyan account, while others collect locally through a gateway or receiving service. As of 25 March 2026, confirm the tax and regulatory position with a qualified adviser and the provider.
What does a SaaS company pay in fees in Kenya?
Costs include bank account and transaction charges plus per transaction fees on gateways and receiving services, often a percentage of the amount, rather than a single fixed fee. As of 25 March 2026, confirm current pricing with each provider.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 25 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.