KCB Bank Kenya and Airtel Money Kenya have entered into a strategic partnership that will allow Airtel Money customers to deposit and withdraw cash through more than 22,000 KCB agents nationwide, strengthening access to digital financial services across Kenya.

The agreement marks another step toward greater interoperability within Kenya’s financial sector, enabling customers to access services more conveniently regardless of their location.

According to Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, the partnership is designed to make financial services more accessible and convenient for Airtel Money users.

“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.

Kinuthia-Otieno noted that the collaboration supports Airtel Money’s growth strategy while advancing Kenya’s broader financial inclusion agenda.

On her part, Annastacia Kimtai said the partnership demonstrates the bank’s commitment to innovation and collaboration in creating a more connected financial ecosystem.

She noted that mobile money services can only achieve their full potential through interconnected networks that allow customers to transact seamlessly across different platforms.

Under the arrangement, customers will only need a valid national identification document and a registered Airtel Money account to access the service. Deposits will be free, while standard Airtel Money withdrawal charges will apply.

The partnership comes as KCB continues to strengthen its agency banking operations and digital service offerings. The bank has recently expanded its technology capabilities through the acquisition of Riverbank Solutions, enhancing its social payments and enterprise resource planning solutions.

KCB says its non-branch channels now account for approximately 99 per cent of customer transactions, highlighting the growing shift toward digital and agent-based banking services.

Industry observers believe the deal could intensify competition in Kenya’s mobile money market while improving convenience, accessibility, and financial inclusion for millions of customers across the country.