Emirates Introduces Split-Payment Option in Kenya

Emirates Introduces Split-Payment Booking Option in Kenya with Cellulant

Emirates has introduced a split-payment booking option for customers in Kenya through its long-term partnership with Cellulant. The new feature, enabled by Tingg, Cellulant’s payment gateway, is now live on the Emirates website. Following its launch in Kenya, the solution is expected to be introduced in additional African markets in the coming months.

The split-payment option allows customers to combine multiple payment methods, including mobile money, mobile banking, and local credit or debit cards. Customers can make an initial payment online and pay the remaining balance in up to 4 additional instalments within 24 hours. This approach aims to offer greater flexibility, particularly for mobile-first customers who rely on local payment systems.

Michael Muriuki, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Cellulant, said the solution addresses a key challenge in travel payments across Africa: mobile money is widely used, but transaction limits can restrict higher-value purchases. By using Tingg, customers can complete airline ticket bookings without exceeding provider-imposed limits.

Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, said the airline continues to focus on improving the customer booking experience in the market. He noted that the introduction of split payments supports wider access to Emirates services by aligning with local payment preferences.

Mobile money remains the primary payment method across much of Africa, with a large number of registered wallets and annual transactions. However, limits on single or daily transactions often result in abandoned bookings when customers try to purchase international air tickets. The split-payment feature addresses this issue by allowing payments to be spread across multiple transactions.

In Kenya, Emirates already supports payments through mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa and Safaricom, as well as mobile banking transfers via partner banks, facilitated through Cellulant. The partnership also supports various payment and financing options in 14 African markets, including South Africa, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.

The launch of the split-payment option coincides with Emirates’ plans to increase capacity on the Dubai–Nairobi route. From 1 March 2026, the airline will add a third daily flight to respond to sustained demand between Kenya and its global network. By combining additional flight capacity with locally relevant payment options, Emirates and Cellulant aim to improve accessibility for travellers in the market.

Customers can book tickets using the split-payment option directly on the Emirates website.