Airtel Money Kenya has expanded its popular ‘Rudishiwa’ campaign to now include Bank-to-Airtel Money wallet transfers, offering 50% reimbursement of transaction fees in the form of airtime. The airtime can be used to purchase data with no expiry, providing more value to customers during tough economic times.
This addition joins the already existing offers where Airtel Money users receive partial reimbursement of transaction fees when paying via Paybill or withdrawing funds from Airtel Money agents.
How the New Bank-to-Wallet Rudishiwa Offer Works
- Reimbursement Rate: 50% of the transaction fee
- Reimbursement Mode: Airtime
- Usability: Airtime can buy data with no expiry
- Eligibility: All Airtel Money users
- Access Method: Transfer money from bank accounts to Airtel Money wallet using:
- Mobile banking apps
- USSD codes
- Internet banking
- Opt-In Required: None. No subscription or registration needed
This means whether you’re topping up your Airtel Money wallet to pay for services, send money, or shop, you’ll get back half of your transfer fee as usable airtime – automatically.
Part of a Broader Strategy to Lower Mobile Money Costs
Airtel Money has been positioning itself as a more affordable alternative in Kenya’s mobile money market. The ‘Rudishiwa’ campaign, launched in 2023, began by offering 50% of agent withdrawal fees back as airtime. In 2024, it extended to Paybill transactions — including utilities like KPLC, eCitizen, water bills, airlines, and bank payments.
The 2025 rollout of bank-to-wallet reimbursements brings more Kenyans into the value-saving loop, especially those who fund their wallets primarily through their bank accounts.
Airtel’s Growing Infrastructure and Ecosystem
Over the last year, Airtel Money has:
- Grown its agent network to over 110,000 points, including key partnerships with Naivas supermarkets and major Kenyan banks
- Rolled out a major system upgrade to ensure faster, smoother transactions
- Strengthened its product suite to include:
- Free Airtel-to-Airtel transfers
- Lower cross-network transfer fees
- Loans, savings, and insurance products with discounts on usage
The reimbursement campaign also complements Airtel’s Smarta Bundles data packages. Users of these bundles continue to enjoy 100% reimbursement on all transaction fees — whether withdrawing cash, paying via Paybill, or topping up via bank.
Leadership Speaks on Customer-Driven Innovation
Airtel Money Kenya Managing Director Anne Kinuthia-Otieno explained that the extended offer is a direct response to customer needs. “Digital payments are even more critical today as we continue to digitise cash and empower Kenyans… Borne out of this customer feedback and market insights, Airtel’s Rudishiwa Transaction Fee campaign guarantees Kenyans that they stay connected while still saving money.”
Echoing this sentiment, Airtel Kenya Managing Director Ashish Malhotra added that Airtel is keen to reflect customer demands in both its mobile money and telco services: “We are endeavouring to provide Kenyans with relevant offerings that help them to stay connected without having to worry about costs.”
Why It Matters
In a financial environment where every shilling counts, Airtel’s reimbursement approach turns mobile money costs into tangible value. By transforming transaction fees into airtime or data, Airtel is reducing the real cost of digital payments — and potentially nudging the wider mobile money market toward more consumer-friendly pricing.
As competition intensifies among Kenya’s mobile money providers, especially with recent pricing adjustments and product innovations, campaigns like Rudishiwa may shift user preferences and spark wider reforms.
Final Thoughts
This move positions Airtel Money as not just a platform for transactions, but as a tool for economic relief and smart mobile management. With Kenyans increasingly relying on mobile banking and digital services, incentives like these could make a real difference — especially for small businesses, students, and everyday users looking to reduce costs without sacrificing connectivity.
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