Best Ways to Send Money to Kenya in 2025

Sending money to Kenya? Compare the top money transfer services to find the best rates, lowest fees, and fastest transfer times in 2025.

Best Money Transfer Services to Kenya

1. Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Best for: Best exchange rates and low fees

Wise offers the most competitive exchange rates with a small markup (typically 0.5% above the mid-market rate). They charge a transparent fee that's usually lower than traditional banks.

Key Features:

• Exchange rates close to the real mid-market rate
• Low, transparent fees
• Can send to M-PESA or bank accounts
• Multi-currency account available

2. WorldRemit

Best for: Fast transfers to M-PESA

WorldRemit offers instant transfers to M-PESA with competitive rates. They have a user-friendly app and often run promotions for first-time users.

Key Features:

• Instant transfers to M-PESA
• Competitive exchange rates
• First transfer fee-free offers
• Cash pickup option available

3. Remitly

Best for: Large transfers with fee-free options

Remitly offers two transfer speeds: Economy (3-5 days) for lower fees, and Express (minutes) for faster delivery.

Key Features:

• Fee-free transfers over KES 100,000
• Price match guarantee
• Mobile app with tracking
• Good customer support

4. Western Union

Best for: Cash pickup locations

With thousands of agent locations across Kenya, Western Union is a good option for recipients who prefer cash pickup.

Key Features:

• Wide network of cash pickup locations
• Fast transfers (minutes to hours)
• Mobile wallet deposit option
• 24/7 customer service

5. Traditional Bank Transfers

While convenient, traditional bank transfers are often the most expensive option due to poor exchange rates and high fees.

Consider banks if:

• You're transferring very large amounts
• Recipient needs funds in their bank account
• You value the security of bank-to-bank transfers

Tips for Sending Money to Kenya

1. Compare exchange rates - Small differences can add up, especially for large transfers. Use our KES to UGX converter if you're also dealing with Ugandan Shillings.
2. Watch out for hidden fees - Some services advertise 'no fees' but make money through poor exchange rates
3. Consider transfer speed - If speed isn't critical, you might get better rates with slower transfer options
4. Check for first-time user promotions - Many services offer fee-free transfers for new customers
5. Verify recipient details - Double-check M-PESA numbers and bank account details
6. Check regional rates - If you're transferring within East Africa, compare KES to UGX rates for the best deal on cross-border transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest way to send money to Kenya?

Wise typically offers the best combination of low fees and good exchange rates for most transfer amounts. For transfers over KES 100,000, Remitly's fee-free option can be the most cost-effective.

How can I send money to M-PESA from abroad?

Services like WorldRemit, Remitly, and Western Union allow direct transfers to M-PESA. The recipient receives an SMS with instructions to withdraw the money or it's deposited directly into their M-PESA account.

Are there limits on how much I can send to Kenya?

Yes, most services have limits that vary by verification level. Typically, you can send up to KES 1,000,000 per transfer with full verification. M-PESA has a daily limit of KES 150,000 for most users.

How long do international transfers to Kenya take?

Transfers to M-PESA are usually instant or take a few minutes. Bank transfers typically take 1-3 business days. Times can vary based on the service used and the time of day the transfer is initiated.

What about transfers between Kenya and Uganda?

For transfers between Kenya and Uganda, consider using our KES to UGX converter to check live exchange rates. Many East African mobile money services offer direct transfers between M-PESA (Kenya) and MTN Mobile Money (Uganda) with competitive rates.

Last updated: June 10, 2025