Airtel Money has permanently discontinued the code that customers would receive to withdraw money sent from MPESA.
This move is in line with a requirement by the CBK for all mobile money service providers to reconfigure their ‘send money’ user journey to enable their customers to send money to any number, whether on-network or off-network.
This development was effected on February 6, 2024, when the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and industry players collaborated to ensure seamless mobile money interoperability as outlined in the CBK National Payments Strategy 2022-2025.
A customer sending money from MPESA to Airtel Money, via USSD *334# or via the MPESA App, will simply select ‘Send to Other Network’ and enter the number of the Airtel Money recipient.
The new, simplified steps are shown below:
This requirement is aimed at enabling customers to benefit from increased flexibility and convenience as well as reduced cost, in keeping with Airtel’s customer-centric service that fosters inclusion.
Initially, for one to be able to access money sent to their Airtel Money wallet, they had to visit an MPESA agent to withdraw the cash. Failure to do so within the 7-day validity period of the withdrawal code would mean the money is remitted back to the sender.
The power of interoperability demonstrates how collaborative efforts among mobile money operators, regulators and the government can drive comprehensive, customer centric and reliable financial services for all.