Ride-hailing company Uber, has discontinued Visa card payments in Kenya, a move that has disrupted a key payment option for business travellers and expatriates.
The decision, which took effect in January, follows Uber’s global review of payment methods amid rising transaction costs.
An Uber spokesperson explained:
“Payment costs globally are on the rise, which impacts businesses and their consumers. We regularly review our payment methods on a market-by-market basis to ensure we’re keeping costs reasonable while balancing any potential impact on consumer experience.”
While Visa cardholders are affected, other payment options such as Mastercard, American Express, M-Pesa, and cash remain available on the platform.
Visa Confirms Talks With Uber
Global payments firm Visa has acknowledged the disruption, confirming that its cards are currently not supported on the Uber app in Kenya. The company says discussions are ongoing to restore services.
“We are aware that Visa cards are not currently being accepted by Uber in Kenya. We are in touch with the Uber team and are working to resolve this as soon as possible,” Visa said in a statement.
Shift Toward Mobile Money in Kenya
Kenya’s payment landscape is dominated by mobile money services, particularly M-Pesa, which remains the preferred option for most riders. Safaricom’s M-Pesa allows direct debits from riders and near-instant payouts to drivers, reducing chargebacks and disputes common with card payments.
According to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Kenyans moved KES 636.2 billion ($4.93 billion) through mobile money in the 12 months to February 2025. The network continues to expand, with active agents rising from 320,182 to 394,853 and subscriptions increasing from 77.3 million to 84.6 million over the same period.
Impact on Corporate Travelers
The removal of Visa payments creates friction for corporate riders who rely on credit cards for expense claims, rewards, or travel policies. While mobile wallets and cash dominate everyday transactions, they do not fit all company travel frameworks.
This shift also dents years of card promotion by local lenders such as KCB and Equity Bank, which positioned Visa as a gateway to online services. Ride-hailing was once a flagship use case for card adoption in Kenya.
Global Platforms Adapting to African Payment Economics
Uber’s decision reflects a broader trend: global platforms are adapting to African payment realities. Cross-border card fees, foreign exchange spreads, and interchange charges have made Visa transactions costly. By contrast, local wallets like M-Pesa settle instantly in shillings, avoiding international fees.
For travelers in Kenya, the change underscores the importance of mobile money and alternative payment methodswhen using ride-hailing services.
