You can now buy apps and games on Google Play in Kenya with Airtel Money
At no additional cost.
Imagine, the same Airtel Money that paid for groceries now unlocking a world of apps and games. In Kenya, where mobile money has become as commonplace as cash, this digital wallet that once facilitated simple transactions at local markets has evolved into a gateway to the digital economy.
This transformation became a reality when Airtel Money integrated directly into Google Play, powered by the Uruguayan cross-border payments platform dLocal. Now, millions of Airtel Money users in Kenya can purchase things on the Google Play Store without needing cards or bank accounts.
What makes this integration particularly revolutionary is its zero-fee policy. Unlike other payment methods available on Google Play in Kenya, Airtel Money users aren't charged any additional fees beyond the purchase price of the app or content. This stands in contrast to services like M-PESA Xpress billing, which typically incurs transaction fees for users.
This move comes as Airtel Money continues to gain ground in Kenya’s mobile money market. While M-PESA still dominates with over 92% market share (its lowest since September 2022), recent data from the Communications Authority of Kenya shows Airtel Money is beginning to gain ground, with its transaction value surging by 54% in 2023, and its market share growing to about 8%, signaling growing competition in the sector.
With this integration, that figure is only set to go higher, positioning it as a bigger competition to M-PESA in the future.
Oluwaseun Bamisile
How to Set Up Airtel Money on Google Play
Activating Airtel Money as a payment method on Google Play is the same as activating any other payment method.
- Open the Google Play Store on an Android device.
- Tap “Account” → “Payment Methods”.
- Select “Add Airtel Money” as a new payment option and follow the prompts to link your account.
- Once set up, you can select Airtel Money as you preferred payment method when making purchases.
With approximately 8 million users, Airtel Money's integration with Google Play gives it a boost in the mobile money race in Kenya. Meanwhile, for users, it opens up a world of digital content with no additional transaction fees.
