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The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has introduced the Kenya Quick Response Code Standard 2023 (KE-QR Code Standard 2023).

This standard will provide guidelines to Payment Service Providers and banks regulated by the CBK on issuing Quick Response (QR) Codes for digital payments to customers and businesses.

The standardization of QR Codes will simplify the process of initiating and accepting digital payments, making it more convenient and secure.

According to CBK, “QR Codes are a type of machine-readable code that consists of black and white squares containing information. They offer an alternative means of making digital payments at various points of sale, such as supermarkets and general stores.”

The implementation of the KE-QR Code Standard 2023 will benefit customers and businesses by simplifying the payment process, reducing errors, and increasing efficiency.

The KE-QR Code Standard 2023 will encourage the adoption of digital payments, promoting inclusion across institutions of different sizes and customer focus.

It will facilitate the launch of innovative products and deepen the benefits already enjoyed by customers making payments across various institutions and mobile money networks.

The standardization of QR Codes will also promote interoperability across different payment systems.

The KE-QR Code Standard 2023 is based on the EMVCo QR Code Specification and was developed through collaboration between the CBK, Payment Service Providers (PSPs), banks and card schemes.

The standard will be rolled out in phases as these players align their operations to meet the requirements of the Standard and increase customer awareness.

This Standard marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the National Payments Strategy 2022 – 2025, which aims to support the adoption of key standards and align Kenya’s National Payment System with global best practices.

The launch of the QR Standard places Kenya among other leading markets that have implemented standardized QR codes for facilitating payments, including the Philippines, Jordan, South Africa, Singapore, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, India, and China.

Lastly, the issuance of Standard is a significant step towards increasing the adoption of digital payments in Kenya and promoting financial inclusion.