NAIROBI, KENYA — In a major shift that redefines the digital payments landscape for East Africa’s largest ride-hailing market, Uber has officially stopped accepting Visa card payments in Kenya.
The tech giant confirmed that the decision, which took effect in January 2026, follows an intensive review of global transaction economics.
Scaling Back Amid Rising Processing Fees
The move is a strategic response to the increasing financial burden of cross-border payment processing.
By narrowing its payment stack, Uber said it aims to mitigate the impact of rising interchange fees and scheme charges that typically accompany international card networks.
The New Payment Stack: Mobile Money Takes the Lead
While Visa cardholders are now required to add alternative methods, Uber’s platform remains accessible through several other high-traffic channels.
Supported Payment Methods include:
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Mobile Money: M-Pesa (Safaricom) and Airtel Money.
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Other Card Schemes: Mastercard and American Express.
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Traditional Options: Cash and PayPal.
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Corporate Vouchers: Uber Gift Cards.
Notably, mobile money remains the dominant force in Kenya. According to Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) data, Kenyans moved KES 636.2 billion ($4.93 billion) through mobile wallets in the 12 months to February 2025.
Uber’s integration with these local rails allows for near-instant driver payouts and reduces the friction of chargeback disputes common with international credit cards.
Impact on the Business and Expatriate Segments
The suspension of Visa—the current leader in Kenya’s card market—marks a significant reversal from Uber’s early strategy in Nairobi, where card adoption was touted as a hallmark of safety.
Industry analysts suggest that while local commuters are unlikely to be deterred due to high M-Pesa penetration, the change creates a “friction point” for:
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Business Travelers: Who rely on corporate credit cards for expense claims and rewards.
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Expatriates: Whose primary financial accounts are often tied to international Visa schemes.
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Local Banks: Lenders such as KCB and Equity have spent years positioning Visa as the primary gateway for digital services.
Future Outlook for Digital Platforms in Africa
The move highlights a broader trend where global tech platforms are prioritizing local payment rails that clear instantly and avoid foreign exchange spreads.
While Visa confirmed they are “in touch with the Uber team” to resolve the issue, no timeline has been set for a potential return.
As of today, the app continues to operate normally, nudging users toward the more cost-effective local “Super-App” ecosystems that now define the Kenyan digital economy.