Emirates has unveiled a new payment innovation for passengers in Kenya, launching a split-payment solution that allows customers to combine multiple payment methods when booking flights, in a move aimed at widening access to international travel.
The system, developed through a strategic partnership with Cellulant, enables travellers to pay using a mix of mobile money, mobile banking and local debit or credit cards within a single transaction. The feature has debuted in the Kenyan market and is expected to be extended to other African countries in the coming months.
Industry data indicate that mobile money remains the dominant payment channel across the continent, with more than one billion registered wallets and over 80 billion transactions valued at above one trillion dollars. However, transaction ceilings on many wallets often prevent users from completing high-value purchases such as international flight tickets, resulting in abandoned bookings.
Chief Product and Technology Officer at Cellulant, Michael Muriuki, said the innovation addresses this gap by allowing travellers to complete large transactions without being constrained by wallet limits. He noted that enabling flexible payment combinations aligns with the growing reliance on mobile money for everyday transactions.
Country Manager for Emirates in Kenya, Christophe Leloup, described the East African nation as one of the airline’s most dynamic markets, adding that the payment option enhances convenience across the booking journey and allows more customers to access its services.
The development coincides with the airline’s decision to introduce a third daily flight on the route between Dubai and Nairobi from March 1, 2026, expanding capacity on a corridor that has recorded sustained passenger demand. Recent operations of its twice-daily flights on the route have reportedly maintained strong seat occupancy, reflecting rising travel appetite.
Analysts say combining increased flight frequency with locally tailored payment infrastructure could strengthen ticket sales and improve customer conversion rates, particularly in markets where digital payments dominate but transaction limits remain a structural constraint.
