WebpinnPOS is the strongest choice for Kenyan businesses that need native M-Pesa STK Push, Shopify or WooCommerce sync, or an online booking system: all in one platform priced in KES with local support. Shopify POS is better if your primary channel is a Shopify store and you do not need M-Pesa. For very basic single-product shops, a simple mobile solution may be enough. This guide covers five options.
What to look for in a POS system in Kenya
Most POS buying guides are written for US or UK markets. The checklist for Kenya is different. These are the factors that actually matter here:
- Native M-Pesa integration. Not a workaround, not a third-party app. STK Push should work directly from the POS without extra steps.
- Pricing in KES. A system priced in USD will cost you more every time the shilling weakens: and that cost compounds monthly.
- Local support. When something breaks during a busy Friday, you need to reach someone who is awake in your timezone and speaks your context.
- Ecommerce sync. If you sell on Shopify or WooCommerce, your POS and your online store need to share inventory: otherwise you will oversell.
- Multi-branch capability. If you plan to open a second location, check that the system handles separate stock, staff, and M-Pesa credentials per branch before you commit.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | WebpinnPOS | Shopify POS | Lightspeed | Square |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-Pesa STK Push | Native | 3rd party only | Not available | Not in Kenya |
| Pricing currency | KES | USD | USD | Not in Kenya |
| Starting price | KES 1,500/mo | $89/mo (POS Pro) | ~$89/mo | N/A |
| Shopify sync | Yes | Native | Via connector app | No |
| WooCommerce sync | Yes | No | No | No |
| Booking system | Built-in | 3rd party app | Add-on | Square Appointments |
| Local support | Kenya (WhatsApp) | Global (email/chat) | Global | Not in Kenya |
| Multi-branch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline mode | Partial | Robust | Yes | Yes |
| 14-day free trial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The options in detail
WebpinnPOS
Best for KenyaCloud-based POS built specifically for Kenyan businesses. Native M-Pesa STK Push (Paybill and Till), two-way Shopify and WooCommerce sync, multi-branch inventory, online booking system with M-Pesa deposits, QuickBooks accounting sync, with Xero coming soon. Priced in KES with Kenya-based WhatsApp support.
Price: KES 1,500/month (Standard) · KES 2,500/month (Multi-Branch). Full pricing.
Strengths
- Native M-Pesa STK Push
- Shopify + WooCommerce sync
- KES pricing: no FX risk
- Local support via WhatsApp
- Booking system included (add-on)
Shopify POS
Best for Shopify-first businessesShopify's own POS product. Seamless with Shopify online stores: products, customers, discounts, and returns all sync natively. Robust offline mode. Does not support M-Pesa natively (requires a third-party payment app such as Pesapal or IntaSend). Priced in USD. Support is global, not Kenya-based.
Price: $89/month for POS Pro (required for most multi-location features).
Strengths
- Deep Shopify integration (products, customers, returns)
- Robust offline mode
- Large app ecosystem
Limitations
- No native M-Pesa support
- Priced in USD
- No WooCommerce integration
- Shopify Payments not available in Kenya
Lightspeed Retail
Best for large inventory retailersEnterprise-grade retail POS with strong inventory management, purchase orders, and supplier management. Built for larger retailers. Priced in USD at a premium. M-Pesa is not supported. No native WooCommerce integration. Support is global. Most Kenyan small businesses will find it over-engineered and expensive.
Price: From ~$89/month, billed annually. USD pricing.
Strengths
- Advanced inventory (purchase orders, suppliers)
- Good reporting
- Mature product
Limitations
- No M-Pesa support
- USD pricing
- Complex and expensive for small shops
Square
Not available in KenyaSquare is a popular POS in the US, UK, and Australia. It is not available in Kenya and does not support M-Pesa. Listed here because it appears in Kenyan business searches: but it is not an option for businesses operating in Kenya.
Our recommendation
For most Kenyan small businesses: retail shops, boutiques, salons, supermarkets, WebpinnPOS is the practical choice. It is the only system on this list with native M-Pesa STK Push, KES pricing, and local support built in. If you also sell on Shopify or WooCommerce, the inventory sync means you can run both channels from one system.
If your business is built primarily around a Shopify online store and M-Pesa is not a requirement (for example, you sell to international customers who pay by card), Shopify POS is worth serious consideration: the native Shopify integration is significantly deeper than what any third-party POS can offer.
See also: WebpinnPOS vs Shopify POS: full side-by-side comparison.
Frequently asked questions
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M-Pesa, Shopify sync, WooCommerce sync, booking: all in one platform, priced in KES.
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