The value of card payments in Kenya significantly decreased by 11.55 percent in the six months leading up to June 2026, indicating a shift towards alternative payment methods and tighter household budgets.

• The value of card transactions fell to Sh220.04 billion, down from Sh248.8 billion in the same period the previous year.
• Analysis of Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) data highlights the trend, supported by economist Mr Churchill Ogutu.
• Factors contributing to the dip include shrinking disposable income, the impact of global conflicts, and a growing preference for mobile money platforms like M-Pesa, direct mobile banking apps, and cash.