Kenyans are set to enjoy free electricity token purchases as  Airtel Money exempts charges from transaction fees in a deal with Kenya Power and Lighting Company(KPLC).

Airtel Money Managing Director Anne-Kinuthia Otieno said the initiative seeks to cushion Kenyans during these tough economic times.

Further, Otieno noted that prepaid and postpaid customers will benefit from the service for six months.

“We are now glad to offer Kenyans this solution where they will enjoy zero transaction cost for the next six months when they make their electricity payments,” the MD said.

Additionally, Otieno noted that the cost saving on the charge per transaction will enable customers to utilize their money to other purchases.

In the deal, the network clients can pay electricity bills through a USSD code or pay bill number.

KPLC Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Joseph Siror said the partnership offers customers a seamless payment channel, ensuring enhanced convenience and satisfaction. 

“After six months of free transaction fees, customers will still be able to pay for their electricity bills at an affordable cost in line with Airtel’s proposition of providing highly affordable services to its customers.”

This comes after the utility firm increased power by between 13 and 20 per cent this year.

Consumers, for example, with a lifeline consumption band of below 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month will pay Kes20.5 per unit from the current Kes18.14, a 13 per cent jump.