Emirates debuts split payment system for Kenyan passengers

Emirates has introduced a flexible payment solution for its Kenyan operations, addressing long-standing transaction hurdles for local travellers. The airline now allows customers to split the cost of international flight tickets across multiple payment channels, including mobile money, mobile banking, and local debit or credit cards.

The facility is powered by Tingg, a payment gateway operated by the technology firm Cellulant. It enables passengers to make an initial deposit online and settle the remaining balance in up to four additional instalments. All payments must be completed within a 24-hour window to secure the booking.

For many years, the primary barrier to high-value digital transactions in East Africa has been the daily limit imposed by mobile wallet providers. These ceilings often fall below the cost of long-haul international airfares, frequently leading to abandoned bookings at the final checkout stage.

Michael Muriuki, the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Cellulant, noted that hundreds of millions of people across the continent rely on mobile money as their primary financial tool. He explained that the new system ensures that transaction limits do not become a barrier to accessing global travel services.

The integration arrives as the airline prepares to scale up its physical presence in the region. Starting March 1, 2026, Emirates will add a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi, increasing its weekly frequency to 21 flights. This expansion is expected to serve growing demand for both passenger travel and belly-hold cargo.

Christophe Leloup, the Emirates Country Manager for Kenya, described the local market as one of the most dynamic in the airline's global network. He stated that the move is part of a broader strategy to refine the booking process for mobile-first users who require more versatile financial options.

The split payment feature is currently live on the airline's website. While Kenya serves as the launch market for this specific multi-method system, there are plans to extend the technology to other African territories where mobile money dominates the retail landscape.

This development follows the airline's 30th anniversary of operations in Kenya, a period during which it has transported over 6.6 million passengers. The new payment flexibility also complements the airline's interline partnership with Kenya Airways, which facilitates onward connections to regional hubs such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.