Here in Kenya, coming together to support one another—whether for a wedding, school fees, or a chama—is part of our DNA. Today, technology has made this easier than ever. Platforms like OneKitty and ZenLipa have moved our fundraising efforts online, saving treasurers countless hours and making the whole process transparent.

But while both are great tools, they aren't the same. OneKitty is like a trusty calculator—simple and effective. Zenlipa, on the other hand, is a powerful all-in-one financial smartphone, built for growth, teamwork, and accountability.

So, which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.

Getting Started: The Digital Wallet

For individuals, families, or unregistered groups (like most chamas or wedding committees), both OneKitty and Zenlipa make getting started incredibly easy.

You simply set up your fundraiser, and all contributions go into a secure digital wallet on the platform. When your collection is complete, you can easily withdraw the funds to your M-Pesa, Paybill, Till number, or bank account. It’s a straightforward and effective system that both platforms have perfected.

While the wallet system is great, what happens when you're a registered organization that needs more control and structure?

Zenlipa’s Edge for Organizations: Control and Teamwork

This is where Zenlipa shows its true power, offering features designed for how real organizations work.

Bring Your Own Paybill or Bank Account:
For registered entities like churches, NGOs, or investment groups, Zenlipa offers a game-changing feature: you can link your own existing M-Pesa Paybill or bank account. This means money from your members or donors goes directly into your account, not a third-party wallet. Zenlipa simply acts as the smart layer on top, tracking every shilling and keeping your records perfectly clean.

Teamwork and Security:
Zenlipa understands that in an organization, it’s rarely just one person managing the money. Their platform allows you to:

• Add Multiple Users: Your whole committee (e.g., the chairperson, treasurer, and secretary) can access the same organizational dashboard.
• Set Up Signatories: Just like a bank account, you can require that transactions or withdrawals be approved by multiple people. This adds a crucial layer of security and accountability.

The Magic of WhatsApp: Keeping Everyone in the Loop

One of the best features of modern digital fundraising is transparency. Both platforms use WhatsApp integration to automatically update your group whenever a payment is made.

A contribution comes in, and BAM—an updated list of who has paid is instantly sent to the group. This eases the treasurer's workload and keeps everyone engaged and informed.

ZenLipa takes it further by allowing you to customize the message that goes out with the payment list. You can add a word of thanks, a reminder of your goal, or any other personalized message before and after the automated list. It's a small detail that makes communication feel more personal and professional.

Fundraising for Everyone, with Tools for Growth

Both platforms are fantastic for all the fundraising campaigns close to our hearts—school fees, medical bills, weddings, and funeral arrangements. They make it simple to share a link and watch the support pour in.

However, Zenlipa again provides an extra layer for more established groups. On top of standard fundraising, it accommodates religious institutions and non-profits by providing:

• Member & Donor Dashboards: A central place to manage your congregation or donor base.

• Built-in Bulk SMS & Email: Communicate directly with your members for follow-ups, event announcements, or thank you messages, all from one platform.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose OneKitty if: You are running a straightforward, one-off fundraiser for a personal need or a very simple chama. Its strength is its simplicity for getting the job done quickly.

• Choose Zenlipa if: You are an individual who wants more features, or you're part of any group that values teamwork, security, and professional tools. Whether you're an unregistered chama that wants the option to add signatories, an event organizer needing to manage RSVPs, or a registered church wanting to use your own Paybill, ZenLipa is built to grow with you.

In short, while both platforms will help you collect money, Zenlipa provides the tools to help you manage, engage, and grow your community.

Ready to start fundraising or sell tickets? Get started right away at https://dash.zenlipa.co.ke or learn more about our features at https://zenlipa.co.ke