Upesi, a Kenyan outbound money transfer service, has launched a four-month zero-fee campaign targeting over Sh1 billion in transactions. The campaign, which started on September 1 and runs until the end of 2026, covers outbound transfers from Kenya to eight international corridors, including China, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Nigeria.
The campaign targets small and medium-sized enterprises, importers, students, investors, and families making payments abroad. With transfer fees waived, Kenyans sending money abroad can enjoy faster, more affordable, and cost-effective international transfers, particularly during the festive season when payments for family support, education, and business needs tend to increase.
Upesi expects to process an average of about Sh276 million per month, with China projected to account for about Sh150 million monthly. This is driven by increasing business activity between Kenya and the Asian market, particularly payments by businesses sourcing goods and services from China.
According to John Gitau, head of treasury at Upesi Money Transfer, "Cross-border payments are becoming increasingly important for businesses and individuals as trade and other economic links between Kenya and international markets grow. We want to make these transfers more accessible and affordable by removing fees on selected corridors."
The move comes as digital providers expand their presence in Kenya's outbound payments market, adding competition to commercial banks and mobile money operators on transfer costs, speed, and convenience. Data from the Remittances Household Survey 2025 by Central Bank of Kenya shows that mobile money operators and commercial banks accounted for 87.8 per cent of cash remittance outflows.
Kenya recorded Sh40.5 billion in outbound remittance outflows between June 2024 and May 2025, of which Sh36.3 billion was in cash and Sh4.3 billion in kind. The East African Community accounted for Sh7.3 billion, or 17.9 per cent of total outbound remittances, with Uganda receiving Sh5.25 billion, Tanzania Sh1.37 billion, and Rwanda Sh170.1 million.
Upesi Money Transfer was founded in 2015 to enable customers to safely and quickly send money to family, friends, or for business around the world. As a homegrown remittance solution provider, Upesi Money Transfer has grown to serve thousands of customers, enabling swift money transfers from Kenya across Africa and the world.
Key points
- Upesi targets Sh1 billion in outbound transfers through a four-month zero-fee campaign.
- The campaign covers eight international corridors, including China, Uganda, and Tanzania.
- Kenya recorded Sh40.5 billion in outbound remittance outflows between June 2024 and May 2025.
