It seems mobile/online payments are the in thing so far. Recently we talked about PayPal’s discussions with First National Bank of South Africa and the possibility of PayPal shedding it’s long overdue ‘fear’ of Africa.

We’ve talked about different mobile payment systems being developed in Kenya – PesaPal, JamboPay and more.

Last week KDN launched MobiPay, yes you guessed it ‘transform the mobile device into a super payment/transactions device’.

Right now at the Serena hotel, iPay, yet another product is joining the bandwagon.

So far in Kenya there at least 5 different products claiming this space. I say claiming because, as far as i know, only PesaPal has some clients with PesaPal as a payment option on their website.

Now, much unlike South Africa, Kenya has a fairly small effective market for online payments. And it is yet to be proven if the technology will be accepted culturally. The success of the mobile phone as a communication device hinged a lot on it’s acceptance within culture. Mobile payment, is yet to pass that test. And that is a test of time. Again, South Africa has an upper hand in terms of development, population that’s comfortable with online commercial experiences, and quality e-commerce websites. Kenya, probably not so much… yet!

There’s definitely something here, too much smoke for there not to eventually be a fire, however, the road there will definitely be an interesting one. We’ll keep watching.