TouristTap Revolutionises Payment Solutions for Tourists in Kenya: A Seamless Digital Experience for Visitors

Published on September 23, 2025

For many tourists, visiting Kenya is a dream come true. The nation provides experiences that are both stunning and unforgettable because of its diverse wildlife, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes. The absence of easy ways to pay for minor purchases, however, is a problem that many visitors encounter in spite of these marvels. Many tourists frequently struggle with payment systems that don’t meet their needs, whether they’re paying for a safari, buying souvenirs at a Maasai market, or stopping by a roadside kibanda (food stall) for a quick bite. It’s common for people to carry large sums of cash, look for ATMs, or experience problems with their foreign-issued Visa or Mastercard cards not working at smaller establishments.

To address this issue, Craft Silicon, a leading fintech firm in Kenya, has developed an innovative solution called TouristTap, a mobile app designed to simplify payments for international visitors. With the help of this app, travellers can use their Visa or Mastercard to make direct payments using any NFC-enabled smartphone. Travellers will find it easier and more secure to make payments in Kenya with this solution, which eliminates the need for physical cards, cash, and complex foreign exchange procedures.

What is TouristTap and How Does It Work?

TouristTap is a revolutionary mobile application that leverages Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This same technology powers the tap-to-pay functionality on cards, but with TouristTap, it allows visitors to use their phones as a mobile card reader. In simpler terms, the app transforms smartphones into a secure, touch-and-go payment tool, enabling international visitors to make payments at various locations across Kenya, from the high-end lodges to local Maasai markets.

The app is simple to use. Tourists need to download the app on their smartphones and link it to their Visa or Mastercard. From there, payments can be made by tapping the phone against an NFC-enabled terminal or point-of-sale device. Whether purchasing a Maasai bracelet, paying for a drink at a local eatery, or settling hotel bills, tourists can use their phones for payments just as they would with a regular card. The app also supports payments to mobile money wallets, till numbers, and even bank accounts, making it a flexible payment method for different service providers.

Solving Payment Challenges for Tourists

One of the most common pain points for tourists in Kenya is the struggle to pay for goods and services, especially at smaller outlets. While larger hotels and tour operators have adapted to digital payments, roadside kiosks and Maasai market vendors often don’t have the infrastructure to accept cards. This leaves tourists with limited options, often resulting in inconvenience or dissatisfaction. Many visitors end up carrying cash, which can be risky, or they may find themselves unable to pay for items if they can’t find an ATM or if their foreign cards aren’t accepted.

Craft Silicon’s TouristTap app is designed to overcome these challenges. With just a tap of a smartphone, tourists can complete payments without worrying about carrying physical money or navigating the complexities of local currency exchange. This solution aims to ensure that payments are effortless, secure, and accessible for visitors regardless of the size or type of service provider.

Ensuring Security with Advanced Technology

Security is one of the primary concerns when it comes to digital payments, and Craft Silicon has made sure to address this in the development of TouristTap. The app has received certification from Visa and Mastercard, ensuring that it meets the stringent standards set by these global payment giants. Additionally, it is fully compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), which is essential for maintaining the security and privacy of sensitive payment information.

The app also employs PIN-on-Glass technology, a feature that provides an extra layer of security by allowing users to input their PIN on their phone’s screen during transactions. This ensures that the transaction data is encrypted, making it impossible for unauthorised third parties to access sensitive information.

A Boost for Kenya’s Digital Economy and Tourism

Kenya has seen a sharp rise in digital transactions in recent years, and the tourism sector has not been left behind. According to the Central Bank of Kenya, card payments amounted to $4.2 billion (KES 538.5 billion) in 2024, indicating the growing preference for digital-first payment solutions. The launch of TouristTap comes at a time when digital payments are becoming increasingly mainstream, with more tourists and locals adopting mobile and card-based transactions.

For the tourism sector, this development is especially timely. Tourism is a major contributor to Kenya’s economy, having accounted for over 10% of the nation’s GDP before the pandemic. By providing a seamless and easy payment option for tourists, the TouristTap app is poised to improve both visitor satisfaction and revenue for local businesses. For instance, a tourist could easily pay for a small purchase at a Maasai market, just as they would for a luxurious experience at a five-star hotel. The app can thus enhance the entire tourism value chain, supporting both small curio sellers and high-end hotels alike.

The Road Ahead: Expansion Plans

Currently, TouristTap is available in Kenya and can be downloaded for free on Google Play and the Apple App Store for NFC-enabled phones. The app has already started making a significant impact on the local tourism sector, allowing tourists to pay easily and securely for products and services.

Looking ahead, Craft Silicon plans to expand the availability of TouristTap to other African tourism hotspots. The goal is to make the app a continent-wide solution, offering tourists across Africa the same convenience and ease of payment that it promises in Kenya. With an increasing number of tourists flocking to various African nations, the need for a secure, efficient, and hassle-free payment solution has never been more pressing. TouristTap is positioning itself as the solution to one of the most common frustrations that travellers face on the continent.

Conclusion

In Kenya, TouristTap is transforming the way visitors pay for goods and services by making it simpler, safer, and more effective. This creative app offers a much-needed solution for both tourists and local vendors by doing away with the need for cash, card machines, or foreign exchange. TouristTap is opening the door for a more efficient and safe travel experience for visitors as Kenya continues to adopt digital payments and transactions, which will boost both their pleasure and the nation’s tourism industry. The future of easy travel payments is bright, as plans are in place to expand into other African nations.