Stakeholders in the travel industry are being urged to bolster their payment processing systems with cutting-edge technologies to improve security, efficiency, and profitability. This call comes in response to the growing concerns about payment fraud, which remains a significant threat to both travelers and businesses in the sector.
During the Kenya Travel Industry Payments Summit (KTRIPS) 2025, Juanita Omanga, Deputy Director of the Digital Payment Services Division at the Central Bank of Kenya, highlighted the critical challenges posed by digital fraud, phishing scams, and delays in cross-border payments. These issues, she explained, are not only detrimental to individual travelers but also to airlines and smaller travel agencies. She emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing these risks to safeguard the industry’s future.
Omanga stressed that through ongoing innovation, strategic partnerships, and a robust regulatory framework, the travel sector can create a payment ecosystem that is both secure and accessible. “With continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and a strong regulatory framework, we can create a payment ecosystem that is secure, efficient, and accessible to all,” Omanga said, underscoring the need for a unified approach to tackling payment-related fraud in the travel industry.
Digital fraud in the travel sector typically involves cybercriminals who gain access to stolen or compromised payment information. They use this data to make unauthorized transactions, such as booking flights, accommodations, and other services. This results in significant financial losses and reputational damage to businesses that fall victim to such fraud. Omanga’s comments at the summit were echoed by other industry leaders who stressed the importance of strengthening digital payment systems to combat these threats effectively.
The second annual Kenya Travel Industry Payment Summit (KTRIPS), organized by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), provided a platform for industry leaders to explore emerging payment technologies, fraud prevention strategies, and regulatory compliance. Nicanor Sabula, the chief executive of KATA, highlighted the growing significance of secure digital payment solutions in shaping the future of the travel industry. “Payment systems are no longer just about transactions; they are now central to customer experience, business growth, and ensuring security in an increasingly digital world,” Sabula said.
Kenya’s adoption of secure digital payment solutions is particularly noteworthy. The country processed over Sh8.1 trillion ($62 billion) in mobile money transactions in 2023, with mobile wallets, contactless payments, and blockchain technology increasingly being used to facilitate seamless and secure cross-border transactions. These innovations have not only enhanced convenience for travelers but also bolstered the overall security of digital payments.
Dr. Joseph Kithitu, Chair of KATA, further emphasized the importance of digital transformation in ensuring the competitiveness of the travel industry. “Business has moved digital, and so has payment. The travel industry cannot afford to be left behind,” Kithitu noted. He shared insightful statistics, revealing that Kenya accounted for 2.67 percent of the total Middle East and Africa air travel sales in 2024, amounting to $566.8 million, which represented a 2.11 percent growth from the previous year.
As digital payment technologies continue to evolve, the travel industry faces an urgent need to stay ahead of emerging threats. Strengthening payment security not only protects travelers but also fosters business growth and customer loyalty, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector in an increasingly interconnected world.
