POS Systems in Kenya: What to Look For Before You Buy
Short answer: a good POS system in Kenya should be M-Pesa and KRA eTIMS ready, track stock accurately, support your users and locations, work in the cloud and be priced clearly. Our cloud-based POS starts from KES 1,000 (USD 10) a month, M-Pesa and eTIMS ready by default.
A POS (point of sale) system is more than a till. It records every sale, updates stock, tracks staff and gives you reports from anywhere. Choosing the wrong one means lost sales data and stock that never balances. See our point of sale system.
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | KES 1,000 a month | 1 business location, up to 3 users |
| Plus | KES 2,500 a month | 2 business locations, up to 10 users |
| Custom | Dedicated pricing | More locations or users, special modifications |
| One-off licence | Quoted separately | For businesses that prefer not to subscribe |
1. M-Pesa built in
Most Kenyan customers pay with M-Pesa. A POS that records M-Pesa payments against the sale saves reconciling at the end of the day.
2. KRA eTIMS ready
Businesses need to issue compliant electronic tax invoices. A POS that’s eTIMS ready avoids double entry. See KRA eTIMS integration.
3. Accurate stock control
Every sale should reduce stock, with alerts for low stock, purchase records and stock-take tools. See inventory management systems.
4. Users and permissions
Each cashier should have their own login, with limits on discounts, voids and refunds. Owners should see who did what.
5. Locations
If you have or plan more than one branch, check the system can show each location and the combined picture.
6. Cloud access
Cloud-based systems let you check sales from your phone, anywhere, and protect your data if a device breaks.
7. Works when the internet is patchy
Ask how the system behaves if the connection drops during a sale.
8. Hardware
Check which receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash drawers and tablets it supports.
9. Reports
Daily sales, best-sellers, profit by product, staff performance and payment method splits.
10. Support and training
Who helps when something goes wrong on a busy Saturday? Training should be included.
Restaurants have extra needs
Table management, kitchen orders and recipes for stock are covered in our upcoming guide to restaurant management systems. See our restaurant management system.
Selling online too?
Connect your POS stock to your online shop so you don’t sell what you don’t have. Read how to start an online shop in Kenya.
What our POS costs
- Standard: KES 1,000 (USD 10) a month for 1 location and up to 3 users.
- Plus: KES 2,500 a month for 2 locations and up to 10 users.
- Larger setups: more locations, more users or custom features get dedicated pricing.
- One-off licence: if you prefer to buy outright, we quote that separately.
Every plan is cloud-based and M-Pesa and KRA eTIMS ready.
Subscription or one-off licence?
A subscription keeps the upfront cost low and includes updates as tax rules and payment options change. That matters in Kenya, where eTIMS requirements have changed over time. A one-off licence suits businesses that prefer a single payment and have their own IT support. Ask us to compare both for your setup.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a POS
- Choosing on price alone: a cheap system that can’t handle M-Pesa or eTIMS costs more in manual work.
- Ignoring stock: a POS that only records sales won’t tell you what’s missing from your shelves.
- Sharing one login: without separate user accounts you can’t see who sold what.
- Skipping training: staff who don’t understand the system go back to paper. Our training is included.
- Not planning for growth: check the system can add a second branch without starting over.
How setup works
We load your products, prices and stock, create staff accounts with the right permissions, connect M-Pesa and eTIMS, and train your team. Because the system is in the cloud, you can check sales from your phone. Book a discovery call to see it in action, or request a quote.
Questions to ask before you sign up
- Does it work with M-Pesa and is it KRA eTIMS ready?
- What does it cost each month and what is included?
- How many users and locations does the plan cover?
- Can I export my sales and stock data?
- Who trains my staff and who do I call when something goes wrong?
- Can I buy a one-off licence if I prefer?
With our POS the answers are simple: M-Pesa and eTIMS ready, from KES 1,000 (USD 10) a month, training included, and one-off licences quoted separately.
Whichever system you choose, ask for a demo using your own products and prices so you can see how quickly your staff can make a sale.
We’ve built business systems in Kenya since 2012, with 1,200+ projects and a 5.0 rating on Google.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a POS system cost in Kenya?
Our cloud POS starts from KES 1,000 (USD 10) a month for 1 location and up to 3 users. Plus is KES 2,500 for 2 locations and up to 10 users.
Does the POS work with M-Pesa?
Yes. It’s M-Pesa ready by default.
Is it KRA eTIMS ready?
Yes. eTIMS readiness is included by default.
Can I buy a one-off licence instead of a subscription?
Yes. One-off licences are quoted separately.
Can it handle more locations or custom features?
Yes. Other setups and modifications get dedicated pricing.
What hardware do I need?
A computer, tablet or phone with a browser is enough to start. Receipt printers, barcode scanners and cash drawers can be added. We advise on what suits your business.
Want to see a POS that fits your business?
Book a call and tell us about your shop or restaurant, your locations and your team. During working hours (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm EAT) we reply within minutes on phone or WhatsApp at +254 705 828 000.
Prefer it in writing? Request a quote.
Written by Vincent Ochieng, founder of Butterfly Prime Solutions (since 2012). Last updated: 8 November 2026.
