TouristTap app to transform payments in Kenya’s tourism sector

NICHOLAS OCHIENG-KNA

The Government has unveiled TouristTap, a digital payment platform, aimed at easing transactions for visitors and boosting revenue collection across Kenya’s tourism ecosystem.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano described the innovation as a timely solution that will enhance convenience, transparency, and efficiency in the sector.

Miano emphasized that tourism remains a key pillar of the economy, noting that the sector contributed approximately Sh500 billion in 2025 and supports nearly three million jobs both directly and indirectly.

“We take an important step towards a more connected, innovative and globally competitive tourism sector,” she observed, adding that TouristTap will enable seamless, secure and cashless transactions for both international and domestic visitors.

She said that the platform addresses long-standing payment challenges faced by tourists, particularly in informal settings where card payments are often not accepted.

“Every touch point of a visitor’s journey, from airport to accommodation, from park entry to local markets will become smoother, more modern and userfriendly,” she added.

The CS further highlighted that the solution aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation agenda under President William Ruto, stressing that seamless payments are now a basic expectation for global travelers.

“Platforms such as TouristTap empower local businesses and integrate them into a more efficient and formalized economic system,” Miano stated.

Principal Secretary for Trade, Regina Ombam, described the platform as a “game changer” that bridges the gap between global finance and local enterprises. 

Ombam explained that the innovation targets micro and small traders who have traditionally been excluded from card - based payment systems.

“This is an innovation for the small traders, for the curio sellers and the informal markets. It brings what we call financial democracy,” she remarked.

She pointed out that TouristTap resolves a critical friction point in tourism where visitors are unable to transact with small businesses due to payment limitations.

“That headache that tourists experience when they cannot use their cards has now been sorted out,” she added.

The PS further observed that the platform will enable the government to capture more accurate data on tourist spending, particularly within the informal sector, thereby informing policy and economic planning.

“This innovation will boost our economy significantly and position Kenya as a modern, tech-driven economy,” she stated, pledging government support for its adoption.

Craft Silicon Chief Executive Officer, Kamal Budhabhatti, showcased how the platform works, explaining that tourists can use their smartphones to make payments by simply tapping their bank cards.

Budhabhatti explained that the application converts a mobile phone into a payment device, allowing users to pay via mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa or directly to bank accounts.

“A tourist will download the app on their phone, tap their card on the device, and complete transactions instantly,” he demonstrated.

He noted that the solution eliminates the need for traditional point-ofsale machines, which are often unavailable in smaller businesses, while ensuring merchants receive payments instantly without delays or additional charges.

“ Tourists often struggle because their cards are not accepted everywhere. This solution removes that barrier and allows them to spend more easily,” he observed.