Kenya earned about KES 452 billion ($3.5 billion) from inbound tourism in 2024, with much of that money spent in markets, safari lodges, and entertainment hubs. Yet, many tourists face hurdles when trying to pay for small items or services because most local traders prefer cash or mobile money. Visitors without a Kenyan SIM card often endure high ATM fees or poor card acceptance.
To solve this, Kenyan fintech Craft Silicon, the company behind Little Cab, has unveiled the Tourist App. The app eliminates the need for local SIM registration by letting visitors pay merchants directly using debit or credit cards, making it easier for traders to serve international guests.
How the Tourist App Works
The Tourist App runs on both iOS and Android, providing a single interface for tourists and merchants. Using NFC technology, a trader’s smartphone acts as a point-of-sale terminal. A tourist simply taps a contactless card or mobile wallet, and payments are routed to the merchant’s mobile wallet, till number, or bank account.
Importantly, tourists do not need a Kenyan SIM card, removing one of the biggest adoption barriers. The app also integrates with M-PESA and Airtel Money, ensuring payments settle quickly into local accounts. Craft Silicon is collaborating with Safaricom to add name confirmation before transactions, a move designed to build trust.
Partners and Backers
The launch brought together key institutions:
- Tourism Ministry – supporting digital innovation in the sector.
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) – ensuring transactions are traceable for compliance.
- Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) – handling local card processing.
- Mastercard – powering cross-border payments.
Their presence signals that the app is more than a product launch—it’s part of a broader shift to digitize tourism spending.
Business Model and Numbers
Craft Silicon charges a 5% fee per transaction. While higher than standard merchant fees, the trade-off is clear: tourists avoid ATM costs and currency exchange risks, while traders avoid buying expensive card terminals. Payments flow directly into wallets or accounts, simplifying the process for small businesses.
Adoption Challenges
Despite its promise, three hurdles remain:
- NFC availability – not all smartphones support it.
- Tourist onboarding – visitors must download and register.
- Trust – showing the recipient’s name before sending money will be vital.
Regulatory and Tax Impact
By shifting cash payments into digital records, KRA gains visibility over tourist transactions. This could improve tax compliance in the informal sector and enhance planning in Kenya’s tourism economy. At the same time, AML and KYC checks ensure compliance with both local and international regulations.
Why It Matters
The Tourist App could transform how visitors pay in Kenya’s bustling markets and lodges. By aligning with local mobile money habits and removing hardware costs, it offers a scalable model that could extend to other African destinations where mobile money dominates. For tourists, it means convenience and safety; for traders, more sales and reduced reliance on cash.
