KIGALI, RWANDA — Rwandan financial technology company Kayko has secured international payment security validation, bringing it closer to introducing a service that will allow businesses to accept bank card payments directly through mobile phones.
The company achieved compliance validation under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) version 4.0.1 on November 10, 2026, following an assessment conducted by Digital Jewels Africa Limited.
The development was reported by The New Times on November 12, marking an important step in Kayko’s plans to expand digital payment services for small and medium-sized enterprises across Rwanda.
Small Businesses to Benefit From Smartphone Payments
Kayko plans to introduce card payment acceptance within its existing business management platform, allowing merchants to manage sales, inventory, expenses and payments through one connected system.
The proposed service could reduce the need for separate card payment terminals, particularly for smaller businesses seeking affordable digital payment solutions.
Once launched, eligible merchants could accept supported card payments through compatible smartphones, depending on the final technical and commercial arrangements.
However, the company has not yet announced a nationwide launch date or published a complete transaction fee schedule.
Why PCI DSS Validation Matters
PCI DSS is an internationally recognised security standard designed to protect payment card information and reduce risks associated with processing, storing and transmitting sensitive financial data.
The assessment was conducted by Digital Jewels Africa Limited, identified as a Qualified Security Assessor.
For Kayko, achieving the standard represents an important security-readiness milestone as the company prepares to introduce card payment services.
However, PCI DSS compliance does not automatically constitute regulatory approval for every financial service or guarantee complete protection against fraud.
From Digital Bookkeeping to Financial Technology
Founded in 2021 by brothers Crepin and Kevin Kayisire, Kayko initially focused on helping small businesses replace manual bookkeeping with digital recordkeeping.
The platform has since expanded into inventory management, sales tracking, financial reporting and payment-related services.
Kayko’s technology is designed to help merchants maintain organised business records while improving their ability to access financial products.
Digital transaction records could also help lenders assess businesses that previously struggled to demonstrate their financial performance.
Kayko Builds on $1.2 Million Investment
The security milestone follows Kayko’s earlier $1.2 million seed funding round, reported in January 2026.
Investors included Burrow Capital, Luxembourg Development Agency (LuxDev), Hanga Ignite by BRD and develoPPP Ventures.
The investment was intended to strengthen the company’s technology infrastructure and support the development of financial-data services for small businesses.
The latest PCI DSS validation is a separate achievement and does not represent a newly announced funding round.
Rwanda’s Digital Payment Industry Continues to Evolve
Rwanda has continued to promote digital financial services as part of its broader efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and modernise business transactions.
Mobile money already plays an important role in everyday payments, while card acceptance offers additional options for consumers and merchants.
Kayko’s planned smartphone-based card service could complement existing payment platforms and make electronic transactions more accessible to small businesses.
However, its success will depend on transaction costs, network reliability, supported payment cards and the quality of customer protection.
The next major milestone will be the official service launch, when merchants can evaluate the actual costs, accessibility and reliability of the technology.
Have Your Say
Would you prefer accepting bank card payments directly through your smartphone instead of using a traditional POS machine, or would transaction fees and internet connectivity remain your biggest concerns?
Share your opinions and questions in the comments. We welcome your contributions to discussions about Africa’s digital financial future.
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Mbah Clarise is a finance analyst and crypto enthusiast residing in Cameroon, also serving as a news writer for CAN News
