Nairobi | KCB Bank Kenya and UnionPay International (UPI) have collaborated to improve e-commerce payment capabilities in Kenya, allowing UnionPay cardholders to transact more seamlessly on digital platforms.
This collaboration represents a significant advancement in digital payment capabilities, with the goal of improving the online shopping experience for consumers and merchants in Kenya.
“We are delighted to join hands with UnionPay International to enhance our e-commerce payment solutions. This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing secure and efficient digital payment services that cater to the evolving needs of our customers,” said Jane Isiaho, KCB Bank Kenya Director of Retail Banking.
Isiaho stated that by integrating UnionPay’s robust payment solutions, they are enabling UnionPay cardholders to conduct seamless and secure online transactions.
The collaboration also draws inspiration from China’s highly successful payment landscape, where digital and contactless payment solutions are deeply integrated into everyday transactions.
UnionPay brings valuable insights and best practices from this environment to Africa, with an emphasis on scalability, security, and customer-centric innovation.
Through this collaboration, KCB Bank hopes to enable key merchant segments such as supermarket chains, all government e-citizen services, and leading hotel chains. By extending UnionPay card acceptance to these critical sectors, the bank is building a strong ecosystem that benefits both consumers and merchants.
“UnionPay International is pleased to collaborate with KCB Bank Kenya to expand our digital footprint in Kenya,” said Asad Burney, Head of UnionPay International Africa Region.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting the digital transformation of payments in Africa. By integrating 3DS products, we aim to provide enhanced security and convenience for online transactions, contributing to a more seamless shopping experience for consumers.”
E-commerce payment systems provide numerous benefits, such as increased security, faster transaction processing, global reach, and lower cart abandonment rates. These features work together to provide an enhanced shopping experience that benefits both customers and merchants.
The move will also benefit Kenya’s e-commerce sector, which is currently experiencing rapid growth. According to Kenya’s Competition Authority, e-commerce penetration is expected to reach 53.6% by 2025, driven by increased internet connectivity, robust logistics, and the adoption of fintech solutions.
These developments are the foundation for a scalable, inclusive e-commerce ecosystem.
As a key player in the region’s e-commerce ecosystem, KCB Bank is poised to expand UnionPay’s online acceptance coverage significantly, catering to the growing demand for digital payments among consumers and businesses.
What you have to know:
KCB Bank Kenya Limited is the largest commercial bank in the country. The Bank, a subsidiary of KCB Group Plc, has the largest branch network in East Africa, with over 200 branches, 367 ATMs, and 16,000 agents providing banking services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This is complemented by mobile banking and internet banking services with 24-hour contact center services for our customers to get in touch with the Bank.
KCB Group Plc- which also has presence in Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC and a representative office in Ethiopia also boasts of a wide network of correspondent relationships totaling over 200 banks across the globe and our customers are assured of a seamless facilitation of their international trade requirements wherever they are.
Meanwhile, UnionPay International (UPI) is a subsidiary of China UnionPay dedicated to expanding the global acceptance network of UnionPay cards.
UnionPay cards, which have over 260 million issued worldwide, are accepted in 183 countries and regions, including 15 in Africa. UnionPay continues to innovate and introduce new payment products to help Africa’s digital transformation and financial inclusion efforts.
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