Ministry of Tourism Launches New Payment Platform for International Tourists

Kenya, April 16, 2026 - The Ministry of Tourism has launched TouristTap, a new payment platform that will transform how tourists visiting the country make payments for services.

The system, engineered by Craft Silicon in partnership with KCB Group and Visa, was launched on Wednesday during an event graced by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and other senior government officials.

According to KWS, the application will enable international tourists to make secure, contactless payments directly through their smartphones, eliminating the need for cash exchanges, ATMs, or local mobile connectivity.

The system will improve efficiency, especially while the visitors are making payments at the point of entry into the country, for park fees, accommodation, and everyday purchases, according to the agency.

“With this solution, visitors can move seamlessly through their travel experience—from arrival to accommodation, park entry, and even everyday purchases—without the common barriers associated with cash handling or payment limitations,” KWS stated.

“It reflects a shift towards a more connected, efficient, and inclusive tourism environment,” it added.

KWS maintained that the platform will not only be beneficial to tourists, but also to local businesses participating in the tourism economy.

“As Kenya continues to showcase its world-class wildlife, landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, equal emphasis is being placed on delivering a modern and seamless visitor experience,” the service said.

The tourism sector remains a key pillar of the country’s economy, with Kenya recording a significant increase in revenue in 2025, according to the latest Kenya Tourism Sector Performance Report.

 The report indicates that tourism revenue hit KSh 500 billion ($ 3.85 Billion), up from 452 billion the previous year, with the number of visitors climbing to 7.9 million.

The report shows that the country received 5.2 million domestic arrivals and 2.7 million international arrivals, which was a 9% increase, more than double the global average. The United States remained the leading source market, with growing arrivals from Asian countries, including India and China.

Leisure travel accounted for 46% of all visitors to the country in 2025, followed by 20% who came to visit friends and relatives, and 19% who travelled for business.

The Ministry attributed the performance to key factors, including increased investment in brand marketing, improved connectivity, and the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.