Airtel Money Customers Gain Access to 22,000 KCB Agents in New Partnership

Airtel Money customers will now be able to deposit and withdraw cash through more than 22,000 KCB Bank Kenya agents nationwide following a new partnership between the two firms aimed at expanding access to mobile financial services.

Under the agreement, Airtel Money users can conduct transactions at KCB agent outlets using their registered Airtel Money accounts and valid identification documents. Deposits will be offered free of charge, while standard withdrawal fees will apply.

The partnership is expected to significantly enhance convenience for Airtel Money customers by increasing the number of access points available for mobile money transactions across the country.

Airtel Money Kenya Managing Director Anne Kinuthia-Otieno said the collaboration would help bring financial services closer to customers by leveraging KCB’s extensive agent network.

“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,” she said.

The deal reflects the growing collaboration between banks and mobile money providers as the financial services sector seeks to improve accessibility, expand transaction channels and deepen financial inclusion.

KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai said partnerships that connect different financial service providers are becoming increasingly important in strengthening digital financial ecosystems.

“What we are doing is recognizing the fact that diverse and interconnected opportunities are still core to the mobile money value proposition. Reaching critical mass will require mobile money ecosystems to become more dynamic and productive,” she said.

Industry players have increasingly turned to strategic partnerships as competition intensifies in Kenya’s mobile money market. Providers are focusing on expanding service accessibility and increasing transaction volumes, particularly in areas where access to traditional banking infrastructure remains limited.

The agreement is also expected to boost KCB’s agency banking business, which has become a key channel for customer transactions and service delivery.

Kenyan banks have in recent years accelerated the shift toward digital and agency banking platforms as they seek to reduce operational costs, improve efficiency and extend financial services beyond conventional branch networks.