I&M Bank has unveiled the Milele Rewards Program, a transformative loyalty initiative developed in collaboration with Mastercard, marking a new chapter in customer rewards for the Kenyan banking sector.
The program, whose name Milele means “everlasting” in Swahili, reflects the bank’s commitment to fostering enduring relationships with its customers by providing meaningful rewards.
Building on the success of its previous cashback-based loyalty scheme, I&M Bank now offers cardholders a more comprehensive rewards system designed to align with evolving customer needs.
Unlike its predecessor, which rewarded customers primarily with cashback on purchases, the Milele Rewards Program offers unparalleled flexibility. Cardholders earn points for every transaction and can redeem them for a wide array of benefits, including flights with over 1,650 airlines, hotel stays worldwide, and vouchers redeemable at local partner merchants.
In a first for Kenya’s banking sector, I&M Bank has introduced a 100% conversion rate for its loyalty points—1 Milele Point equals 1 Kenyan Shilling (KES). Customers can now earn up to 2% cashback on their spending, with higher rewards available for premium-tier cards and higher transaction volumes.
“At I&M Bank, we strive to enrich the lives of Kenyans with solutions that resonate with their everyday needs,” said Gul Khan, CEO of I&M Bank Kenya, at the program’s launch in Nairobi. “Milele Rewards is more than a loyalty initiative—it’s our way of thanking customers for their trust and providing them with a lifestyle experience that truly adds value.”
The development of Milele Rewards was a collaborative effort between I&M Bank and ICC, a global leader in customer engagement solutions, with Mastercard playing a pivotal role. Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for East Africa at Mastercard, highlighted the significance of the program during the launch.
“Consumers and small businesses today seek flexible solutions that deliver real value,” said Ali. “Through Milele Rewards, I&M cardholders gain access to unmatched benefits, making every transaction more rewarding. This initiative also places Kenya on the global map, aligning with similar programs in the Gulf and UAE regions, and offering eight times higher value than any other rewards platform in the country.”
One of the key aspects of the Milele Rewards Program is its focus on transparency. Customers are automatically enrolled in the program upon using their I&M debit or credit cards, and every transaction earns points. The bank’s research indicates that transparency is a growing priority for Kenyan consumers, making this program a timely and strategic addition to its offerings.
Cardholders can choose how they redeem their points—whether for travel, accommodation, or cashback—giving them control over their rewards and enhancing their overall banking experience.
For I&M Bank, which has served the Kenyan market for over 50 years, the launch of Milele Rewards marks a significant milestone in its evolution as a customer-centric financial institution.
“This program solidifies our position as a leader in customer engagement and reflects our dedication to building lasting relationships with our clients,” said Stephanie Kome, Head of Customer Experience at I&M Bank. “With every transaction, our customers gain value, and that’s the essence of Milele Rewards—to reward loyalty and enhance experiences in ways that truly matter.”
As the Kenyan financial sector becomes increasingly competitive, I&M Bank’s introduction of Milele Rewards sets a new benchmark for customer loyalty programs, reshaping how banks engage with their customers and deliver value.
By collaborating with global partners like Mastercard and listening to customer feedback, I&M Bank is not only meeting but exceeding expectations, positioning itself as a pioneer in Kenya’s banking industry.
With the launch of Milele Rewards, I&M Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to providing innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance the everyday lives of its clients and contribute to Kenya’s growing digital economy.