Miano: Cashless Payments Key to Kenya's Next Phase of Tourism Growth

Tourism is set for a digital shift as the government moves to make Kenya a fully cashless-friendly destination for visitors.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano yesterday said that Kenya has positioned digital innovation at the centre of  tourism's future, declaring that seamless, cashless payments are no longer optional but essential to sustaining the sector’s growth.

Speaking at the launch of the “Tourist Tap Into Kenya” initiative in Nairobi, Miano emphasized  on the need to modernise visitor experiences, pointing to the newly introduced TouristTap platform as a critical tool in that transformation.

“As we move forward, sustaining the growth momentum of Kenya’s tourism demands that we embrace innovation, sharpen efficiency, and deliver exceptional experiences to every visitor,” she said.

Miano underscored tourism’s continued importance to the economy, noting that the sector generated approximately KSh 500 billion in 2025 and supports more than 1.6 million jobs across the country.

But she stressed that the future of the industry will depend on how well it adapts to changing global expectations.

“In an era defined by digital expectation, travelers no longer view seamless payment as a luxury. They desire and indeed deserve it,” she said.

Framing TouristTap as a response to these expectations, Miano said the platform will eliminate friction in visitor transactions by enabling a unified, cashless payment system across the tourism ecosystem—from airports and hotels to national parks and local markets.

“The ability to move from airport to lodge, from safari vehicle to souvenir stall, without the friction of cash-based systems, is a baseline requirement,” she said.

Beyond convenience, Miano highlighted the governance and economic benefits of digitization.

She said TouristTap would improve transparency and strengthen revenue collection, while also integrating small businesses into a more formal and efficient system.

“Platforms such as TouristTap do more than improve visitor experience—they empower local businesses, operators, and communities,” she noted.

Miano also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting innovations that enhance ease of doing business and position Kenya as a leading smart tourism destination globally.

“The future of tourism is digital, integrated, and experience-driven—and today we take a bold step along that path,” she said.