The Absa Bank has announced a waiver on several transactions following the confirmation of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in Kenya.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, March 17, the bank announced that it had waived a number of charges to facilitate cashless transactions.
"Dear customer, to support cashless transactions in battling the Covid-19 pandemic; we have waived fees on PesaLink, Account to Mpesa and Mobile Money transfers effective immediately.
"You will also receive a monthly cashback of 0.3% on debit card swipe transactions starting March 25, 2020. These price waivers will be available for a limited period," Absa announced.
The move by Absa was prompted by President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive encouraging Kenyans to adopt cashless transactions in a bid to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus through exchange and handling of physical cash.
“We appeal to mobile operators and banks to take note of the situation we are in and to reduce the cost of transactions during this period,” he stated on March 15, 2020.
Absa Bank, previously known as Barclays, rebranded officially on February 10, 2020, following regulatory shareholder agreement.
With the rebrand, the bank shed off the blue eagle emblem that has been associated with it since the start of its operations for the warm-red colours.
During the rebrand, the bank's Managing Director Jeremy Awori assured the bank's clients of consistent service provision even in the face of the rebrand.
"Our customers can expect to experience more forward-looking, digitally-led bank that is committed to offering world-class service," he assured.
The bank has a rich history, having first opened its businesses in Africa in 1916, and opening its shareholding to the public 70 years later in 1986.