Mobile network operator, Airtel Kenya, and its mobile money subsidiary, Airtel Money, have launched a new financial product titled Business Wallet (or Biashara Wallet), alongside an upgraded cashback initiative designed to cushion small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and drive digital financial inclusion across the country.
The new product allows entrepreneurs and micro-businesses to separate their personal funds from business transactions directly on their mobile phones without requiring extra documentation or hardware.
Speaking in Nairobi during the inauguration and media engagement ceremony, Airtel Kenya Managing Director (MD) Djibril Tobe highlighted the company’s long-term investment strategy in the country’s digital infrastructure.
“At Airtel, our mission is always to go beyond connecting things. We actually want to build a digital infrastructure that improves customer experience, empowers businesses, and support national development,” Tobe declared while addressing attendees at the venue.
He noted that Kenya remains a treasured digital economy in the region, reaffirming the company’s commitment to expanding her network coverage, launching hyperscale data centers, and introducing satellite-driven direct-to-cell innovations.
Addressing the specific needs of local merchants from the same podium, Airtel Money Acting Managing Director Michael Bonke outlined the operational mechanics and safety features of the Business Wallet.
“Our greatest opportunity lies in the small and medium enterprises in Kenya. Today, our entrepreneurs need more than just a platform to send and receive money; they need a financial solution that will help them manage their day-to-day business activities,” Bonke stated.
He explained that the service—accessible via the shortcode *334#—allows merchants to monitor daily transactions, pull mini-statements, execute seamless cross-network transfers, and safeguard earnings against unauthorized transaction reversals.
Under the new business model, Airtel Money customers can transfer funds into any registered Business Wallet free of charge, up to the Central Bank of Kenya’s daily transaction limit of Sh250,000.
According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), SMEs constitute over 90 percent of all business enterprises in Kenya and significantly contribute to the gross domestic product (GDP).
Airtel Money reported that its platform currently serves more than 6 million customers with a network of over 270,000 agents and 2 million merchant outlets nationwide, pushing its market share to approximately 11 percent following key system upgrades.
Alongside the business solution, Airtel announced an enhancement to its Rudishiwa reward program. The previous 50 percent airtime rebate on eligible transaction fees (such as peer-to-peer transfers, pay bill, and buy goods) has been updated to a 50 percent direct cash-back into the user’s mobile wallet, requiring no manual opt-in.
Tobe concluded by reaffirming the firm’s strategy to strengthen Kenya’s position as East Africa’s digital hub through continuous platform innovations and customer-centric financial tools.
By Lilian Gichohi and Tonny Omollo
