KCB Bank Kenya and Airtel Money Kenya Limited have announced an interoperability partnership where Airtel Money customers will now be able to make payments directly to KCB merchants’ tills through the Lipa Na KCB service.
This marks a key milestone in achieving a secure, fast, efficient, and collaborative payments systems that support financial inclusion and innovations. It is also geared towards the implementation of full interoperability in the payments industry as envisioned by the country’s National Payments Strategy 2022 – 2025.
KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director, Mrs. Annastacia Kimtai noted that the move is part of the Bank’s promise anchored on creating an efficient payments ecosystem that will be instrumental in accelerating financial inclusion through a new model centered on low-value, high volume transactions.
“Reaching critical mass will require mobile money ecosystems to become more dynamic and productive and such a move will enable us scale our offering while giving customers the freedom to empower themselves,” Mrs. Kimtai said.
Airtel Money Managing Director Mrs. Anne Kinuthia-Otieno attributed the partnership to the evolution of mobile money interoperability, which now provides customers with limitless choices for conducting their mobile transfers and payment transactions.
“We are thrilled about our partnership with KCB, which allows our customers to seamlessly transact through their Airtel Money wallets. This collaboration underscores Airtel Money’s ongoing commitment to improving customer experience and promoting financial inclusion through innovative partnerships. With the integration of Lipa na KCB into Airtel Money's ecosystem, customers now have greater flexibility and convenience in paying for goods and services,” she said.
KCB’s non-branch solutions have continued to prove pivotal in delivering outstanding performance for the bank. For the period ended December 31, 2023, the bank recorded 99% of transactions conducted through non-branch channels. Additionally, the bank recorded a 31% year-on-year increase in the value of transactions through digital channels to KShs. 6.4 Trillion.
To access this new payment option, registered Airtel Money customers need to follow these simple steps:
USSD Journey:
- Dial *334#
- Select "Paybill and Till Payment"
- Select paybill
- Select Airtel paybill (including bank paybills)
- Enter paybill number
- Enter Paybill number: 522533
- Enter Account Number as displayed at the merchant’s outlet
- Enter Amount
- Enter PIN to confirm the transaction
App Journey:
- Launch the My Airtel App - https://bit.ly/keAPP
- Select "Paybill"
- Choose "Airtel Paybill"
- Enter Paybill number: 522533
- Enter Account Number as displayed at the merchant’s outlet
- Enter Amount
- Enter PIN to confirm the transaction
Airtel Money customers making payments to KCB paybills will enjoy lower transaction charges as compared to current market rates. These affordable rates are in line with Airtel Money’s promise of providing the most affordable mobile money transaction rates in Kenya.
Airtel Money continues to leverage the company's ongoing network expansion efforts across the country through strategic partnerships that bring mobile money services closer to the customer and enhance convenience. KCB and Airtel Money Kenya are confident that through interoperability, customers will access seamless payment solutions without the hassle of transferring money to other networks.
Ends…..
About KCB Bank Kenya
KCB Bank Kenya Limited is the largest commercial bank in the country. A subsidiary of KCB Group Plc, the Bank has the largest branch network, with over 200 branches,
367 ATMs and 16,000 agents offering banking services on a 24/7 basis in East Africa. This is complemented by mobile banking and internet banking services with a 24-hour contact center services for our customers to get in touch with the Bank. KCB Group Plc- which also has presence in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda DRC Congo and Representative offices in Ethiopia and Brussels also boasts of a wide network of correspondent relationships totaling over 200 banks across the globe and our customers are assured of a seamless facilitation of their international trade requirements wherever they are.
For further information, please contact Judith Sidi Odhiambo, Group Head of Corporate & Affairs; email: jsodhiambo@kcbgroup.com
About Airtel Africa
Airtel Africa is a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries in Africa, primarily in East Africa and Central and West Africa.
Airtel Africa offers an integrated suite of telecommunications solutions to its subscribers, including mobile voice and data services as well as mobile money services both nationally and internationally.
The Group aims to continue providing a simple and intuitive customer experience through streamlined customer journeys.
www.airtel.africa
For Enquiries, Contact
Victor Nyongesa a_victor.nyongesa@ke.airtel.com Mobile +254 102266130
Margaret Wahito wahito@p-l.co.ke Mobile +254 780140017
