AO establishes a local business in Kenya

AO has established its Kenya business, opening a local office and building a foundation for growth in East Africa. The expansion builds on relationships developed through earlier assignments in Kenya and experience supporting the country’s financial-services sector.

The operation reflects AO’s approach to entering new markets: establish a local presence, hire locally and combine local market knowledge with the wider Group’s technology and delivery capabilities. Being close to customers helps AO understand their requirements and build lasting relationships.

A local partner who supported one of AO’s early cross-border assignments joins the leadership of the Kenyan operation, bringing market knowledge and banking experience into the business.

AO Kenya focuses on savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs), while also serving commercial banks. Its banking technology offering includes paperless banking and support for internet, mobile and agent banking, helping institutions develop services around the needs of their members and customers.

AO’s relationship with TietoEVRY complements this focus on banking and payments technology. Opportunities within Kenya’s PesaLink ecosystem are an important part of the market: the interbank payments network is operated by Integrated Payment Services Limited (IPSL), a subsidiary of the Kenya Bankers Association.

With Africa as AO’s home market, establishing AO Kenya is a significant step in the Group’s regional expansion. The local business provides a base from which to deepen relationships in Kenya and develop opportunities across East Africa.