Airtel Money Kenya and KCB Bank Kenya have entered into a strategic partnership that will enable Airtel Money customers to deposit and withdraw cash through more than 22,000 KCB agents across the country.
The collaboration seeks to improve access to financial services by leveraging KCB’s extensive agency banking network, bringing mobile money services closer to millions of customers while supporting Kenya’s financial inclusion agenda.
Deal to Strengthen Financial Inclusion and Interoperability
The partnership is expected to accelerate efforts to promote interoperability within Kenya’s financial sector by reducing barriers to financial access, improving customer experience, and strengthening the country’s digital financial ecosystem.
The move comes amid growing industry efforts to create more connected and accessible financial services that allow customers to transact conveniently across different platforms.
Airtel Money: Partnership Will Bring Services Closer to Customers
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Airtel Money Kenya Managing Director Anne Kinuthia-Otieno said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to expanding access to affordable and convenient financial services.
“By opening access to KCB’s extensive agent network, we are bringing Airtel Money services closer to more Kenyans and making it easier for customers to deposit and withdraw money wherever they are,” said Kinuthia-Otieno.
She added that collaborations of this nature will support Airtel Money’s growth while contributing to the country’s wider financial inclusion goals.
KCB Highlights Role of Innovation in Mobile Money Growth
KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai said the partnership demonstrates the bank’s commitment to using innovation and collaboration to build a more inclusive and interconnected financial services sector.
Kimtai noted that expanding mobile money ecosystems through strategic partnerships will enable services to reach more customers, scale operations, and strengthen the overall digital payments landscape.
“What we are doing is recognising that diverse and interconnected opportunities remain central to the mobile money value proposition,” she said.
Customers to Access Services Through KCB Agents
Under the partnership, Airtel Money customers will require a valid national identification document and a registered Airtel Money account to access the services.
Deposits will be offered free of charge, while standard withdrawal charges will apply.
KCB Expands Digital Banking Footprint
The partnership aligns with KCB’s continued investment in non-branch banking solutions, particularly its agency banking network, which has enhanced customer convenience, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
KCB has also strengthened its agency banking capabilities through the acquisition of Riverbank Solutions, adding social payments and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions to its digital offerings.
The bank says 99 per cent of its transactions are now conducted through non-branch channels, highlighting the growing role of digital platforms in Kenya’s financial services sector.
