Seamless App Payments via Airtel Money on Google Play Now Available
Airtel Money users in Kenya can now make payments for apps, games, and other digital content on the Google Play Store using their Airtel Money wallets. This new capability comes from a strategic partnership between Airtel Money Kenya and Google, announced on March 26, 2025.
The integration allows Android users to pay for a wide range of apps directly through Airtel Money—without the need for a bank card, international wallet, or third-party payment platform. According to the company, Airtel Money is currently the only mobile money wallet in Kenya integrated with the Google Play Store, positioning it uniquely in the mobile payments landscape.
NOTE: We don’t understand what this means though because Safaricom has M-Pesa X-Press for checkout on Google Play – though with M-Pesa X-Press Transaction charges apply.
Zero Transaction Fees for Users
In a notable move to increase affordability, Airtel Money says users will not incur any transaction charges when making purchases through Google Play. This zero-fee structure significantly improves the value proposition for users, especially those who rely heavily on mobile money for online payments.
By enabling direct app payments and removing associated fees, Airtel Money is offering an alternative digital payment experience that is both convenient and cost-effective.
Leadership Statements on the Partnership
Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, Managing Director at Airtel Money Kenya, called the collaboration “an exciting launch” that reaffirms Airtel Money’s promise as a “trusted, reliable, and innovative payment platform.”
“This collaboration underscores Airtel Money’s expanding presence in the payments landscape, offering customers even more versatile services at an international scale,” she said.
Kevin McDaid, EMEA Payment Partnerships representative at Google, added, “This integration underscores Google’s commitment to providing accessible, localised solutions.”
Expanding Airtel Money’s Digital Footprint
The partnership reflects Airtel Money’s strategy to boost adoption and usage through meaningful integrations with international digital ecosystems. As one of the fastest-growing mobile money providers in Kenya, Airtel Money continues to stand out by:
- Offering instant, secure, and borderless transactions
- Reducing the cost of digital services for users
- Forming strategic alliances that enhance local financial inclusion
Since its separation from Airtel Networks Kenya Limited in 2022, Airtel Money Kenya has operated as a standalone entity, licensed by the Communications Authority of Kenya and the Central Bank of Kenya. It remains a fully owned subsidiary of Airtel Africa PLC.
Why This Matters
This development has major implications:
- For users: More convenience, especially for those without debit/credit cards
- For developers: Easier monetization in Kenya, where mobile money is widely used
- For digital inclusion: A step towards integrating more Kenyans into the global digital economy
This move also comes at a time when digital content consumption in Kenya is growing, particularly among younger demographics. Integrating mobile money with global services like Google Play bridges a crucial accessibility gap and can drive app usage, content subscriptions, and digital payments.
What’s Next?
With Airtel Money’s integration live, the ball is now in the court of other major players in Kenya’s mobile money space. Will we soon see similar partnerships from competitors like M-Pesa? Time will tell, but for now, Airtel Money has taken a clear first-mover advantage in app payments.
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