Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya has launched DTB Wearables, a new range of contactless payment solutions for wearable devices.
In collaboration with Mastercard, and powered by Tappy Pay, Diamond Trust Bank said it was the first tier one bank in Kenya to offer contactless payments via wearables.
DTB and Mastercard announced the partnership at Gitex Kenya, taking place in Nairobi this week, and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to move the partnership forward.
The MoU was signed by Victor Ndlovu, Mastercard VP and head of business development for East Africa, and George Otiende, director of retail banking at Diamond Trust Bank.
DTB said the payment solution will provide greater convenience, speed, security, and lifestyle integration for customers making everyday payments.
NFC-enabled wearables for Kenya
The NFC-enabled wearables allow customers to make payments by tapping their wristband or ring on any contactless-enabled point-of-sale terminal.
NFC (near field communication) is a short-range wireless technology that allows electronic devices to communicate and share data over a distance of a few centimeters.
.jpg "Victor Ndlovu from Mastercard and George Otiende from Diamond Trust Bank sign an MoU at Gitex Kenya 2026.")
Victor Ndlovu, VP and head of business development for East Africa at Mastercard and George Otiende, director of retail banking at Diamond Trust Bank, sign an MoU at Gitex Kenya 2026. (Source: Mastercard)
Payments are linked to customers’ existing DTB debit cards, and the bank said the solution eliminates the need to carry cash, physical cards, or even mobile phones.
“At DTB, innovation is about using technology to make banking simpler, safer, and more intuitive for our customers,” said Diamond Trust Bank MD and CEO for Kenya, Murali Natarajan.
“DTB Wearables represent a significant step forward in the evolution of digital payments in Kenya, moving beyond traditional cards and devices to deliver secure, always-on payment experiences that fit seamlessly into everyday life,” added Natarajan.
DTB Wearables will be available as silicone wristbands featuring a Kenya flag design and as ceroxy or ceramic rings.
The wearables are compatible with all contactless-enabled merchant terminals nationwide.
Shehryar Ali, senior VP and country manager for East Africa at Mastercard, said the partnership will help advance digital payments for Kenyan consumers.
“By driving the adoption of wearable technology, we are enabling faster, safer transactions and supporting the growth of a truly cashless economy,” Ali added.
Diamond Trust Bank is an East African commercial banking franchise operating in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi.
The bank is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).