Airtel Kenya Unveils Lighter, Faster Alternative USSD

Airtel Kenya has announced the launch of Airtel Lite, a new Progressive Web App (PWA) designed to offer a lighter, faster, and more accessible selfcare experience. With capabilities similar to the My Airtel self-care app, Airtel Lite aims to efficiently cater to smartphones with low storage and processing power.

The launch of Airtel Lite coincides with Airtel Kenya’s announcement of zero-rating the My Airtel App, Airtel’s self-care app. With smartphone users conscious of data consumption and highly accustomed to USSD services, Airtel Lite is set to transform how customers engage with Airtel’s wide range of products and services. Lack of adequate storage space on phones is a big issue; and so Airtel Lite does not require storage space on phones.

Airtel says customers will enjoy zero data usage while using Airtel Lite, just like with the My Airtel app, since it offers offline access to key services without data bundles. Airtel Lite’s quick loading interface is yet another key feature of the App, addressing the needs of users who want to conveniently access core features of an application without a large amount of data.

The Progressive Web App will cover all the key customer services accessed through USSD – check balance, recharge, buy bundles, send money, buy goods, pay bill and have access to their transaction history.

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“At Airtel Kenya, we are constantly striving to address our customer needs in ways that add real value to their lives,” Mr Ashish Malhotra, Airtel Kenya Managing Director, said. “Our research revealed that many Kenyans still face challenges such as limited storage space and data usage in the use of their smartphones. Airtel Lite is our innovative solution, designed to remove these barriers and ensure a seamless, accessible digital experience for all.”

As Kenya advances towards a fully digitised economy, solutions like Airtel Lite are essential for driving the adoption of digital channels. By offering a lightweight and user-friendly alternative, Airtel Lite acts as a crucial bridge for users who have traditionally relied on USSD services, helping them transition smoothly to a faster, dynamic, digital service.

Beyond convenience, Airtel Lite contributes to the broader goal of financial inclusion by providing easy access to mobile banking and digital payments, particularly in underserved and remote regions. Notably, Airtel customers can access Airtel Lite and the My Airtel selfcare App at zero data charges.

“Airtel Lite is a gateway to digital empowerment for millions of Kenyans. By ensuring that every customer no matter their device, can access our services, we are making sure that no one is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey,” Mr Malhotra added.

Airtel Lite is now available to all Airtel Kenya customers, who can access it through their phones’ browsers.

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