Uber has quietly removed Visa card payments from its app in Kenya, reducing payment options for riders and food delivery users across the country.
The change, which took effect around December, means customers can no longer use Visa cards to pay for rides or Uber Eats orders. Users are now limited to alternatives such as cash, Mastercard, mobile money platforms like M-PESA and Airtel Money, or PayPal.
Uber said the decision followed a review of available payment methods in the Kenyan market, citing rising global payment processing costs as a major factor behind the move. This is despite Visa remaining one of the most widely used card networks in the country.
In the past, some users had complained about card-related issues on the platform, including double charges or transactions remaining pending. In certain cases, drivers reportedly claimed they did not receive payment and asked riders to pay again via mobile money. However, Uber has not officially linked these complaints to its decision to discontinue Visa payments.
The move reflects Kenya’s evolving payments landscape, where mobile money dominates daily transactions. While card usage remains significant, it operates alongside platforms such as Paystack, iPay, and DPO, which support integrations for Visa, Mastercard, and M-PESA.
Uber has increasingly leaned into mobile money solutions in recent years. The company has partnered with Safaricom to enable payments and payouts via M-PESA for both riders and drivers, and has also offered free data access for the Uber and Uber Eats apps to encourage usage.
For frequent travellers, business users, and foreign visitors who prefer paying with Visa cards, the change is a noticeable shift. However, for many Kenyan users already comfortable with mobile wallets and Mastercard, the impact may be less disruptive.
Overall, the decision highlights how payment habits and rising costs are shaping digital services in Africa’s ride-hailing sector, pushing global platforms like Uber to adapt their offerings to local market realities.
