Kenyans Can Now Subscribe to Showmax Directly Through Airtel Money

Airtel Money users in Kenya can now pay for Showmax subscriptions directly from their mobile wallets after a new integration between the mobile money service and MultiChoice’s streaming platform in the country.

The update allows customers to sign up, renew, or activate Showmax plans without using debit cards or third-party checkout services. This comes at a time when more Kenyans are spending time at home during the holiday period, driving higher demand for subscription-based streaming services. The integration removes a common payment hurdle and reflects the growing role of mobile money in supporting digital entertainment across mobile-first markets.

Through this partnership with Showmax, we are providing a smooth and reliable payment experience that delivers a fast, safe, and convenient way for customers to stay connected and entertained, said Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, Managing Director of Airtel Money Kenya.

With the change in place, Airtel Money customers can pay for Showmax Entertainment, Showmax Entertainment Mobile, and Showmax Premier League Mobile. Payments are completed by selecting Airtel Money at checkout and authorising the transaction using a wallet PIN.

For Showmax, the integration aligns with MultiChoice’s wider efforts to strengthen its digital distribution channels as competition in the streaming market intensifies both globally and within Kenya. Using mobile money brings the service closer to payment methods that are already familiar to many African consumers.

By integrating Showmax with Airtel Money, we are making it even easier for our customers to pay for their favourite entertainment and enjoy a wide range of local and international content, said Nzola Miranda, Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya.

The partnership also reflects a broader shift within Kenya’s telecom sector, where mobile money services are expanding beyond person-to-person transfers and bill payments into subscriptions and digital content. Safaricom’s M-Pesa already supports recurring payments for services such as Spotify and YouTube Premium, alongside utility and content subscriptions. As streaming platforms compete for growth in price-sensitive markets, access to mobile payment channels is increasingly influencing customer acquisition and retention.