Wednesday, August 28, 2013

DIPEK refute Equity Partnership

By Dan Muhuni
The row between Equity Bank and Pillar Technologies Limited over
perceived partnership in running Direct Intervention  Programme for
Empowering Kenyans (DIPEK) welled up to the surface with  each party
maintaining they have not entered on agreement.

Yesterday, Pillar technologies managing director Peter Masawa
clarified that they only have a mere working arrangements through
opening accounts but the bank is not involved in the running of the
programme.

Masawa made the rejoinder after Equity placed an advert on one of the
local dailies warning that it will not be responsible for the
consequences given through DIPEK.
Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi


“We would like to notify all our customers and the public that Equity
bank is not in any collaboration or partnership with DIPEK. Equity
Bank accepts no liability or responsibility for the consequences of or
given through DIPEK.” Part of the advertisement by the bank reads.

The programme is run by Pillar Technologies Limited who have already
partnered with TelkomKenya (Orange), a service provider in
distribution of airtime and telecommunications.

On his part, Masawa said that: “This is a misunderstanding Equity are
our partners because we have accounts with them.” He affirmed.

“We wish to reiterate that we are not in partnership with any bank
other than for the opening of Orange Money accounts which is the mode
of payment to our subscribers.  We further emphasise that we do not
invest any funds for anybody and do not promise any returns without
the subscriber himself or herself working. We promote commitment,
discipline and smart work for wealth creation.” Pillar corporates
Affairs manager Joseph Mbai added.

They insisted that DIPEK which has a membership of over 50,000 people
countrywide gives every Kenyan opportunity to be telecommunications
sub-dealer.
Each subscriber earns from commissions made in airtime distribution
and sub-dealership sales.