Mookh's Ticketing Installment Payments - A Hit or a Miss for Kenyan Event-Goers?

In Kenya, the "Lipa pole pole" (pay slowly) model has long been a part of our consumer culture, helping people afford household and personal goods. But recently, this concept entered the event ticketing space, thanks to Mookh, a leading Kenyan ticketing platform. They introduced a feature that allows users to pay for event tickets in  installments, and  sparked a lot of discussion online.

The feature gained significant attention during the popular Blankets and Wine event. For some, it was the first time they could see a path to purchasing a ticket without paying the full amount upfront. The convenience of being able to plan their finances and secure a spot at a high demand event was a definite plus. This flexibility is a game changer, especially with the constant stream of events happening every weekend, particularly in the thriving Afro-house scene.

However, the feature  also met some resistance.  Some critics suggested that the demand for installment payments is an economic sign of a recession, implying that people can no longer afford to attend events. While this perspective is understandable, it might be missing the bigger picture. The ability to spread out a payment isn't just about financial difficulty; it’s about financial planning and flexibility. It allows attendees to manage their budget more effectively, leaving more money for other expenses.

Internationally, this model is already a standard practice. Ticketing giants like AXS and Ticketmaster have offered similar payment plans for years, often in exchange for a promoter's business. In these models, the vendor is paid over time as payments are received. On the other hand, popular fintech firms like Klarna and Affirm act as a third party, paying the vendor in full and then collecting the remaining payments from the buyer. These firms essentially provide a form of credit. The key difference with Mookh's feature is that it's a direct installment plan, not a credit based service, which means no credit checks for the user.

So, is Kenya ready for this? The debate around Mookh's “lipa pole pole" feature highlights a cultural shift. The question isn't whether we can afford it, but rather why we shouldn't have the same financial flexibility as event goers in other parts of the world. Offering installment plans can make events more accessible to a wider audience, boosting attendance and revenue for both event organizers and the ticketing platform. For Mookh, this feature is a strategic move that addresses a real customer need, solidifying its position as an innovative leader in the Kenyan event industry. Ultimately, it’s a feature that empowers consumers and meets the demands of a modern, fast-paced event culture.