In recognition of her contribution to advancing financial inclusion in Kenya, Otieno was awarded the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the President of Kenya.
Anne Kinuthia Otieno, MBS, has stepped down as Managing Director of Airtel Money Kenya after nearly five years leading the mobile money business through a period of rapid expansion. She has been appointed Vice President and Head of East Africa at Visa, where she will oversee operations across seven markets from August 4, 2026.
Based in Nairobi, Otieno succeeds Chad S. Pollock, who is concluding his tenure in the role. At Visa, she will help drive the company’s digital payments strategy across the East African region.
Otieno took charge of Airtel Money Kenya in 2022, following the business’s transition into an independent mobile wallet operator after its separation from Airtel Kenya.
During her tenure, Airtel Money significantly strengthened its position in Kenya’s mobile financial services market. The platform’s market share grew from 2.9% to 10.3%, while its customer base expanded from approximately 400,000 users to more than five million. The company’s nationwide agent network also increased dramatically, growing from 18,000 to over 170,000 active agents.
She also led strategic partnerships with major financial institutions, including KCB Bank Group and Diamond Trust Bank, broadening the reach of Airtel Money’s financial services. In addition, she championed customer-focused initiatives such as the Rudishiwa Transaction Fee campaign, aimed at making digital financial services more affordable and accessible.
Before joining the telecom and fintech industry, Otieno spent more than a decade in the banking sector, holding a range of leadership positions at Absa Bank Kenya, formerly Barclays Bank Kenya.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Daystar University and an MBA from Strathmore Business School.
In recognition of her contribution to advancing financial inclusion in Kenya, Otieno was awarded the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the President of Kenya.
