International visitors arriving in Kenya will no longer need local SIM cards or cash exchanges to make payments, after the government introduced a new digital platform aimed at turning tourist transactions into fully cashless and instant mobile payments across the country.
The system, called TouristTap, has been rolled out by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife to allow visitors to pay for goods and services directly through mobile money platforms using NFC-enabled mobile devices.
Tourists are required to download and register on the TouristTap app, then choose a payment point by entering a till number, paybill, or mobile number. A simple tap on the phone and a secure PIN completes the transaction, with payments processed immediately.
The platform is expected to be used in hotels, shops, markets, and tourist sites, reducing reliance on cash and eliminating the need for currency exchange.
At the official launch held in Nairobi on Wednesday, Tourism CS Rebecca Miano said the system is part of efforts to align Kenya’s tourism industry with modern digital payment trends.
“I must confess that I am already in love with this product,” she said, underscoring its potential to simplify transactions for both international visitors and local users.
She added that many businesses have previously lost customers due to limited payment options.
“This is the gap TouristTap is closing,” she said. “Every touchpoint of a visitor’s journey will now become smoother, more modern, and user-friendly.”
The government noted that the introduction of the platform is part of wider digital reforms being implemented across key sectors, where seamless payments are now considered a basic requirement for global travel.
According to Miano, TouristTap creates a single cashless environment that improves how payments are handled, boosts transparency, and strengthens revenue collection within the tourism value chain.
She also referred to earlier digital initiatives, including automated parking systems at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, which have helped improve efficiency and reduce manual revenue handling.
Kamal Budhabhatti, Group chief executive officer, Craft Silicon, said the platform marks a shift in how visitors experience payments in Kenya.
“By enabling secure, cashless payments across the tourism ecosystem, we are not only enhancing the visitor experience but also supporting financial inclusion, transparency, and operational efficiency for service.....”
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