In a move set to revolutionize mobile payments, KCB Bank Kenya and Airtel Money Kenya Limited announced a groundbreaking partnership that allows Airtel Money customers to make direct payments to KCB merchants using the Lipa Na KCB service. This interoperability deal marks a major step toward creating a seamless, secure, and efficient payment ecosystem that promotes financial inclusion and innovation in Kenya.
The partnership is aligned with the National Payments Strategy 2022-2025, which aims to implement full interoperability across Kenya’s payments industry. Through this collaboration, KCB and Airtel Money are contributing to the country’s vision of an inclusive financial landscape, enabling customers to make low-value, high-volume transactions effortlessly.
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 to scale our offering while giving customers the freedom to empower themselves,” Mrs. Kimtai said.
Mobile Money Interoperability
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.
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KCB’s focus on digital solutions continues to drive impressive growth. In 2023, 99% of the bank’s transactions were conducted via non-branch channels. Additionally, the value of transactions through digital platforms surged by 31% year-on-year to KShs. 6.4 trillion, further solidifying KCB’s position as a leader in digital banking.
To access this new payment option, registered Airtel Money customers need to follow these simple steps:
USSD Journey
1. Dial *334#
2. Select “Paybill and Till Payment”
3. Select paybill
4. Select Airtel paybill [including bank paybills]
5. Enter paybill number
6. Enter Paybill number: 522533
7. Enter Account Number as displayed at the merchant’s outlet
8. Enter Amount
9. Enter PIN to confirm the transaction
App Journey
1. Launch the My Airtel App – https://bit.ly/keAPP
2. Select “Paybill”
3. Choose “Airtel Paybill”
4. Enter Paybill number: 522533
5. Enter Account Number as displayed at the merchant’s outlet
6. Enter Amount
7. Enter PIN to confirm the transaction
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.
