EMP Brings EMV Chip Card Expertise to Kenya

Emerging Markets Payments (EMP), the leading electronic payment processing company in the Middle East andAfrica, recently launched its Kenya EMV Migration Package. The package will allow EMP to offer a costeffective and rapid implementation EMV Migration solution to the banks in Kenya. This helps to support compliance with the Central Bank of Kenya’s mandate requiring the banks to adopt the global EMV standard.

EMV offers extra security for cardholders, merchants and banks. “As we have successfully completed more than 400 EMV implementation projects across the continent, we understand all the technical and practical issues in great depth and we can provide end-to-end support” said Hany Fekry, Chief Commercial Officer at the launch in Westlands on Friday.

“With more than 130 clients in 45 countries, EMP is Africa’s largest payment card processor. With our portfolio, we believe we are well positioned to deliver world-class services to the Kenyan market through applying EMV services,” said Wayne Harris, EMP’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “In addition to offering cutting-edge services and solutions, EMP also enjoys a track record of completing projects quickly and efficiently. Over the years, we have reduced the time needed for a full migration to just 90 days.”

EMP’s capabilities include Visa, MasterCard and the other major international payment brands. The company was the first in the region to achieve PCI DSS certification, the industry’s gold standard for data security, as far back as 2008.

In addition to providing cardholders with a more secure environment for electronic payments, applying the EMV system is expected to have a positive effect on the overall economy. The opportunity to drive inclusiveness in the financial system in markets like Kenya is a business opportunity, as well as a public policy imperative. As most countries in Africa are now focused on transitioning from cash-oriented to cashless economies, EMP is keen to ensure that state-of-the-art systems are put in place.