Learn how to send money to Kenya so you can connect with friends and family
Do you want to send money to friends or family in Kenya? You can do it, but your choices are limited due to the exotic status of the Kenyan currency.
Most mainstream banking institutions don’t allow transfers between Australian and Kenyan bank accounts, so you will need to look at money transfer companies like WorldRemit, Western Union or MoneyGram. They let you send money to Kenya in minutes.
If you need to send money to Kenya, give our page a read for a comparison of the different companies that offer this service.
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Comparison of services that allow you to send money overseas to Kenya
The table below shows the different services you can use to send money overseas to Kenya. You can sort products using the table headings, and if you'd like to read more about a product, you can click "More". If you'd like to register and open an account, click "Go to Site".
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Banks vs money transfer companies
If you want to send money to Kenya, double check with your banking institution first. Some banks don’t offer electronic fund transfers to Kenyan bank accounts. This was a problem for Abasi. He wanted to send money regularly to his family in Nairobi. He found a bank that allows transfers to Kenya and compared their deal to a money transfer company.
| Money Transfer Service 1 | Money Transfer Service 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate | AUD$1 = KES79.11 | AUD$1 = KES77.14 |
| Transfer fee | AUD$22 | AUD$40 (cash pickup) |
| Amount of KES for AUD$1000 | KES79106.02 | KES77135.31 |
| Transfer time | Three to five business days | Ten minutes |
| Transfer options | Bank-to-bank transfer | Bank-to-bank transfer, mobile payments, cash pickup |
| Difference of | +KES1970.71 |
How to compare transfer companies when transferring money to Kenya
If you want to send money to Kenya, make sure you have a look at the following information when you get your quote on the funds transfer.
- The exchange rate. This is the amount of Kenyan shillings you get in exchange for each Australian dollar you send to Kenya. You can check the rate when you get your quote on the funds transfer.
- Transfer fees. Each provider will charge a fee for your money transfer to Kenya. Fees vary depending on how you want to send the funds. For example, cash transfers are priced differently compared to mobile payments. Like the exchange rate, you’re advised of any fees when you get the quote for the transfer.
- Collection methods. Different companies offer different options for receiving the funds. Some companies like Western Union offer bank transfers, cash collection and mobile payments, while other institutions will only allow a bank-to-bank transfer.
- Transfer methods. How can you send the funds? Most transfers are handled online but you can still send cash in person by visiting an outlet. Western Union has the largest network of businesses that act as agents and representatives of Western Union and their services.
- Transfer options. Do you need to make a regular payment, or do you only need to make a one-off funds transfer?
- Minimum transfer amounts. How much do you need to send? While the upper limit is generally of no concern to most people, if you’re looking to carry out a small transaction, you should compare money transfer companies based on the minimum transaction allowed. Some companies have no minimum transfer amount, but they charge a fee if you’re sending under a certain amount.
- Customer service. Is speaking to someone to help you through the process something that’s important to you? Some companies pride themselves on their achievements with customer service and their willingness to go the extra mile for their customers. Consider this when comparing money transfer companies.
How to send money to Kenya from Australia
The choice of banks that let you send money to Kenya is limited. Check with your financial institution to see whether they offer money transfers to a Kenyan bank account.
- WorldRemit. WorldRemit is a speciality money transfer company. Like Western Union and MoneyGram, there are fees when you send money to Kenya, but the first transfer is free with WorldRemit. They have good reviews for their customer service, and there’s an easy to use smartphone application, which makes sending money to Kenya a breeze. With WorldRemit, you can send money from bank to bank, cash pickup transfers and mobile money transfers.
- Citibank. One financial institution that lets you send money to a Kenyan bank account is Citibank. Although not one of the countries on the free global transfer list at Citibank, you can send money to Kenya from your Citibank Plus account for free. Transfers can take up to five business days.
- Western Union. You can send money to a bank account, pay someone using their mobile phone number or you can arrange for a cash pickup. There’s a fee for this service, but unlike bank-to-bank transfers, the money can be ready in minutes.
- MoneyGram. MoneyGram operates in a similar fashion to Western Union. The main point of difference with these two companies in Kenya is that Western Union has a larger number of cash collection points.
Emergency cash transfers to Kenya
In the event of an emergency, it’s possible to get cash to Kenya in a matter of minutes. Companies like WorldRemit let you send money to Kenya almost instantly. There are a couple of options if you need emergency access to cash:
An emergency cash advance. Visa, Mastercard and American Express will give you an emergency cash advance if your cards are lost or stolen and you’re unable to access the funds in your account. Give your bank and the card company a call, and they’ll let you know about a merchant close to your location where you can collect the funds.
Money transfer service with cash pickup. International money transfer services like Western Union, MoneyGram and WorldRemit let you transfer to merchants, cash collection agencies and banks in a matter of minutes. You can send the money to Kenya from the company’s website. It’s safe, easy and quick.
Back to topCash pickup locations in Kenya
There are over a thousand different Western Union cash collection outlets where you can send money to Kenya.
Be aware that the size of the transfer, differences in time zones and other transaction specific conditions will determine where the cash can be collected from. For example, a foreign exchange bureau may be the only place that has enough money to honour your transaction.
The numbers for the merchants where cash can be collected are listed on the MoneyGram and Western Union websites. It may be a good idea to give the business a call before you go in to make sure you will be able to get the cash when you come in. They may also be able to advise you if there are any security protocols that need to be observed.
WorldRemit
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All Time Capital, Mombasa Branch.
City Grosser Building,
1st Floor, Opposite Blueroom Restaurant,
Haile Selassie Road,
off Digo Road, Nairobi.
+254-020-8000171/2,254-722-575050
Open Monday to Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Saturday 9:30am -12:30pm.
Sunday - Closed.
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All Time Capital, Nairobi Branch.
Cellcare Electronics Ltd,
St Ellis Building, Ground Floor,
Mama Ngina Street.
+254-020-8000171/2,254-722-575050
Open Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm.
Saturday 9am to 12:30pm.
Western Union
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ABC, Westland Branch.
ABC House, Westlands,
Nairobi.
+057-020-2023692
Monday to Friday 8am-7pm.
Saturday 9:30am-1 pm.
Sunday - Closed.
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Amana Forex Bureau.
Amana Shopping Centre, Nairobi.
+254-020-225617
Open Monday to Thursday 8:30am-6pm.
Friday - 8:30am to 9:30pm.
Saturday and Sunday - 8:30am to 6pm.
MoneyGram
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National Bank of Kenya.
Ongata Rongi Kiserian Road,
Nairobi.
+254202528359
Open Monday to Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Saturday 8am-2pm.
Sunday - Closed.
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Kenya Post Office, Makueni Branch.
Koli Building, Makeni,
Nairobi.
+25404433371
Open Monday to Friday 8:30am-4pm.
Saturday 8:30am-1pm.
Sunday - Closed.
Tips for collecting cash in Kenya
Australians travelling to Kenya need to pay close attention to their personal security. Westerners have been victims of kidnappings and robbery in Kenya, especially in the capital, Nairobi.
In their last travel update for Kenya, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Australians visiting Kenya should exercise a high degree of caution. DFAT suggests Australians who plan to visit the Nairobi and Mombasa region, including Diani Beach, Lamu County and parts of Tana River County, should reconsider their need to travel.
If you’re going to collect a large amount of cash, and you’re concerned for your safety, it’s a good idea to give the business where you’re collecting your cash a call first to discuss whether security precautions are necessary. A registered taxi to and from the cash collection point is advisable as well as travelling in a group.
Back to topHow to send money to Kenya
The process for sending money to Kenya is a little different depending on the method you use.
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Bank transfers
If you want to send the money to a bank account in Kenya from your bank account in Australia, you’ll need the recipient's bank account details and details of their banking institution, such as the SWIFT code or IBN. International fund transfers from your bank account are done through your online banking facility.
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Cash collection
If you want to send cash for the person to collect, you just need to provide their full name. They will need the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN), which is provided to you once the transaction is confirmed.
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To a mobile phone
Money transfer companies like Western Union also let you send money to a person’s mobile phone in Kenya. The recipient must have an activated Safaricom M-PESA Mobile Wallet. You need their Safaricom mobile phone number and the receiver's full name to complete a transfer this way.
Before you can send money to Kenya using a service like WorldRemit, you will need to create an account. You will need to provide the following details about yourself:
- Full name.
- Email address.
- Residential address.
- ID, such as a driver’s licence
If you want to send money to friends, family or anyone else in Kenya, a specialist money transfer company like WorldRemit, Western Union or MoneyGram gives you a few different ways to complete the transfer. Compare these companies based on their exchange rate and the fees for the transfer. If you have any questions about how to send money to Kenya, get in touch with us using the form below.
Back to top
Am in oman and i want to send money to kenya. Which is the cheapest service to use. Can i also send money direct to my savings account in kenya? Thank you
Hi Joyce,
Thank you for your question.
We are an Australian comparison site. As such, we provide general advice only. The information on this page relates to transferring money from Australia to Kenya, however some of the international money transfer companies operate internationally so you may be able to transfer money to Kenya from Oman. It’s best to check with the company directly. Regarding cash transfers direct to your account, that will depend on the company you choose as there are different transfer options offered per company and sometimes, per country.
Hope this helps.
Clarizza
Hw does one send money from India to Kenya? Are there any kind of restrictions? How long does it take?
Hi Jojo,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We are an Australian comparison website, as such, we provide general advice on this topic based on sending money from Australia. With regards to sending money from India to Kenya, this page shows a number of international money transfer companies. It may be worthwhile taking a look at which of these companies also operate out of India and allow you to send money to Kenya.
Generally, these services are available internationally and the method of payment will depend on what the company offers that service.
Hope this helps.
Clarizza
someone from georgia want to send for me money and am in kenya how can I can I get the money through my phone?
Hi Tamar,
Thanks for your question.
To receive funds in Kenya through mobile money transfer, you need to be using M-Pesa and Airtel.
Please see this page for more information.
hi? my friend in America says he sent me money to my account, in a kenyan bank. the money has not yet reflected, is it possible that someone can sent you money directly to your account, by, having your account number as the only details of the receiver?
Hi Jack,
Thanks for your question.
If it is a bank-to-bank transfer, your sender would need the SWIFT number of your bank as well as the BSB and account number.
I wanted to ask how does one deposit money to a personal bank account in Kenya that is Kenya commercial bank how can I go about it am in the US any help
Hi Emma,
Thanks for your question.
You’ll need to use one of the larger, global brands to assist with your money transfer: WorldRemit, Western Union or Moneygram. In some cases you may need to pick up the cash and deposit it in person.
I HAVE A FRIEND IN INDIA AND HE HAD SENT ME MONEY IN MY FRIEND’S ACCOUNT NUMBER BECAUSE AS OF ME I DON’T HAVE A BANK ACCOUNT YET.SO HE SENT THE MONEY ON FEBRUARY 12TH AT AROUND 11AM AND TOLD ME TO CHECK IF HAVE RECEIVED THE MONEY AFTER 3HOURS BUT WHEN I CHECKED AFTER THAT PERIOD I DID NOT GET THE MONEY.WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE PROBLEM?AM IN KENYA
Hi Aaliyah,
Thanks for your question.
The international money transfer may not have been processed, or the wrong details have been provided.
Please get in touch with an agent from the international money transfer service you used to troubleshoot the problem.
All the best.
My friend from Australia told me he put the money into my Kenya commercial bank account yesterday 23rd/01/2016. He went on saying the money will be transferred to my account on monday because the International transfer doesn’t work on weekend. Help me to understand this statement please!
Hi Apostle,
Thanks for your question.
The weekends in Australia are not considered as business days, which means all bank transactions aren’t processed on these days.
This is why the money will be processed on Monday, which is the next day after the weekend.
Hope this clears it up.
can i save money(deposit)to my kenya account from U.S.A
Hi Enock,
Thanks for your question.
This is possible – you can choose to do a bank transfer or send it through an international money transfer service. An international money transfer may be the cheaper option – Moneygram, Western Union and Worldremit may be able to facilitate this.
Cheers,
Shirley
Can i deposit money in nri account m9ney from india in indian rupees
Dear Kenya,
Thanks for your enquiry.
I’ve sent you an email regarding this transfer.
Thanks,
Belinda