Uber Restores Visa Payment Option in Kenya

Ride-hailing giant Uber has resumed accepting Visa card payments for riders in Kenya, reversing a decision made earlier this year. The move comes as part of a broader cost review across Uber’s global operations.

The Visa option is now live in the Uber app, appearing alongside M-PESA, PayPal, and Airtel Money in the payment menu. Users are greeted with a message highlighting a “seamless payment experience” when adding their card.

Background on the Change

Uber initially removed Visa as a payment method in January, citing rising global transaction costs. The company stated it regularly reviews payment options to ensure affordability while maintaining user experience. While specific cost figures were not disclosed, Uber indicated that all digital payment methods were affected by these rising expenses.

This reversal aligns with Uber’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs globally. Earlier this week, the company announced plans to cut approximately 3,300 corporate jobs—around 10% of its workforce—as part of a restructuring initiative led by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

Implications for Users

For Kenyan riders, the return of Visa payments restores a convenient option that had been unavailable for most of the year. While Mastercard and other local payment methods continued to function on the platform, many users expressed disappointment at losing the ability to pay with Visa cards.

The timing of this change is notable as Uber continues to reassess its presence in certain African markets. The company recently ceased operations in Nigeria and Uganda while maintaining a focus on key growth regions across the continent.