Updated 1 November 2026
WorldRemit Kenya transfers can go to M-Pesa, Airtel Money or Equitel wallets, to a Kenyan bank account, or for cash pickup. WorldRemit says you can send up to KES 250,000 per transfer to M-Pesa and KES 300,000 to Equitel, mobile money transfers are credited instantly in most cases, and your recipient pays no WorldRemit fee to receive. This guide sets out the limits, the details you need, how to send and where to get help.
Updated 1 November 2026 from WorldRemit’s Kenya and Kenya mobile money pages. Fees and exchange rates are shown in the app before you pay and change often.
WorldRemit Kenya receive options
| Receive method | What WorldRemit says |
|---|---|
| Mobile money | Airtel, M-Pesa and Equitel accounts that are fully registered and active; paid in Kenya shillings only; speed shown as “instant” |
| Bank transfer | Straight into a Kenyan bank account; you need the receiver’s account details. Transfers to select Kenya shilling accounts. |
| Cash pickup | Collected at WorldRemit’s pickup locations |
| Airtime top-up | Prepaid airtime, with no WorldRemit fee |
WorldRemit says 90% of transfers to Kenya reach its local partners within minutes. Delivery can take longer if recipient details are wrong, if identity checks are needed, or because of partner operating hours.
WorldRemit to M-Pesa and Equitel: limits
| Rule | M-Pesa | Equitel |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum per transfer | KES 250,000 | KES 300,000 |
| Combined daily limit (several recipients) | KES 250,000 | KES 1,000,000 in 24 hours |
| Recipient account balance cap | WorldRemit says KES 100,000 | No account limit at the moment |
| Other limits listed for M-Pesa | Minimum KES 1; a maximum of 20 transfers and USD 5,000 (or KES equivalent) in 30 days | |
If a transfer would push the recipient’s M-Pesa balance over the cap WorldRemit applies, it may fail. WorldRemit’s advice is for the recipient to reduce the balance first. For larger amounts, a bank deposit avoids wallet caps; see our guide to opening a Kenyan bank account from abroad.
Details you need from your recipient
- Full name exactly as registered on the mobile money account.
- City where they live.
- Mobile money number: 9 digits without the country code. WorldRemit lists M-Pesa numbers starting 70, 71, 72, 74 or 79 and Equitel numbers starting 763, 764 or 765.
- Reason for sending: family or friend support, purchase of services, property payment or sending funds to yourself.
- Contact number and, optionally, an email for transfer updates.
Check every detail before you pay. WorldRemit says it is difficult to amend or stop a transfer once it has been made.
How to send money to Kenya with WorldRemit
- Create an account on the app or website with your name, email, phone, date of birth and address. You may be asked for ID and a selfie; WorldRemit says verification takes up to four minutes at least 90% of the time.
- Choose Kenya, the amount and the receive method. The fee, exchange rate and amount the receiver gets in KES are shown upfront.
- Enter the receiver’s details.
- Pay by bank transfer or by debit or credit card. Card payment is usually faster.
Fees: what you and your recipient pay
WorldRemit says the transfer fee depends on the receive method and does not change with the amount. Your recipient pays no WorldRemit fee, but their mobile operator may charge to withdraw cash at an agent; see M-Pesa charges. Compare the KES amount that arrives across providers in our cheapest way to send money to Kenya guide. For context on how much Kenyans abroad send home each month, see the latest CBK remittance figures.
Help and complaints
WorldRemit says its customer service team is available 24/7 in six languages through the help centre. The sender should raise any issue with a transfer, since only the sender can amend or cancel it.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I send to M-Pesa with WorldRemit?
Up to KES 250,000 per transfer, with a combined daily limit of KES 250,000. WorldRemit also lists a 30-day cap of 20 transfers and USD 5,000 for M-Pesa.
How long does WorldRemit take to Kenya?
Mobile money transfers are shown as instant, and WorldRemit says 90% of Kenya transfers reach local partners within minutes.
Does my recipient pay to receive WorldRemit money?
No WorldRemit fee, but the mobile operator may charge for cash withdrawal.
Can I send to Equitel with WorldRemit?
Yes, up to KES 300,000 per transfer and KES 1,000,000 in 24 hours across recipients.
Sources: WorldRemit: send money to Kenya; WorldRemit Kenya mobile money FAQs. Read 1 November 2026.
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