Mobile operator Airtel and Equity Bank have partnered in Kenya to roll-out a mobile commerce service in the country.

The service is planned to enable customers from both Airtel and Equity Bank to access mobile banking platforms, perform agency cash transactions at bank branches and withdraw money.

Airtel Money also plans to let subscribers use the service to pay their utility bills, receive bank transaction alerts, check their account balances and receive mini statements, among other services.

Speaking at the launch, Equity Bank Group chief executive officer, Dr. James Mwangi, said: “We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Airtel, which will further strengthen our commitment to extending financial inclusion across East Africa by enabling the unbanked and under-banked to enjoy the benefits of mobile payments, while also giving us the opportunity to better serve Airtel customers.”

“We shall continue to strengthen our business model through innovation, enhanced use of technology, automation for a better customer experience and collaborations with industry stakeholders such as Airtel,” said Dr. Mwangi.

Jayant Khosla, the chief executive officer of Airtel Africa- Anglophone, added: “This partnership with Equity Bank marks yet another milestone in deepening the accessibility of Airtel Money to our customers throughout Kenya.”

“The 203 Equity branches and 600 Equity Bank ATMs, will complement our 10,000 Airtel Money agents spread across Kenya thus making it easier and more convenient for customers to have guaranteed access to Airtel Money deposit and withdrawal of cash,” said Khosla.

Airtel says ventured into the local mobile commerce business two years ago and has a dealer network of more than 10,000 agents, which include banks, bank agents, supermarket chains and Posta outlets.

The telco further says its Airtel Money offering has expanded to 16 operating countries.