How to Send Money to M-Pesa User in Kenya from Abroad

Available Options for Sending Money to M-PESA Kenya

There are several authorized channels for sending money to M-PESA users in Kenya from abroad:

1. Authorized International Money Transfer Partners

Safaricom has partnered with multiple authorized International Money Transfer Organizations that enable sending money to M-PESA accounts in Kenya. These official partners include:

• Western Union - Available at over 500,000 locations globally
• WorldRemit - Online and mobile app service
• Xpress Money - International agent network
• PostFinance - Primarily for European senders
• Skrill iT - Digital wallet and online transfers
• XendPay - Online money transfer service
• mHits - Mobile-based remittance service
• SkyForex - Agent location service
• Mapex - Agent location service

2. M-PESA Global

For M-PESA users sending money from Kenya to other countries, M-PESA Global enables transfers to mobile numbers in East Africa (Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, Burundi), Zambia, Malawi, and Asia (Bangladesh and Pakistan through TerraPay). This service is accessible via the M-PESA App and USSD code *334#.

3. Additional Services

• AliPay Integration - Enables transfers between M-PESA and China
• TerraPay - Facilitates transfers to Bangladesh and Pakistan

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Send Money

For Senders Abroad

Step 1: Choose an Authorized Partner Select one of Safaricom's authorized IMT partners based on your location and convenience. Visit their website or find a local agent.

Step 2: Provide Required Information You will need:

• Recipient's M-PESA registered mobile phone number (Safaricom line)
• Recipient's full name
• Amount to send
• Your identification documents
• Payment method (cash, card, or bank transfer depending on the partner)

Step 3: Complete the Transaction The partner will inform you of:

• Applicable transfer fees
• Current exchange rate
• Exact amount the recipient will receive in Kenyan Shillings

Step 4: Receive Confirmation You will receive a receipt with a transaction reference number for tracking purposes.

For Recipients in Kenya

If You're Already Registered for M-PESA:

Step 1: Wait for SMS Notification You will receive an SMS immediately when the money arrives, containing:

• Confirmation receipt number
• Amount received in Kenyan Shillings
• Sender's name and location
• Your new M-PESA balance
• Time stamp

Example SMS: "G68EG702 confirmed. You have received Ksh5,000 from [Sender Name] via [Partner Name] on 24/4/14 at 3:56PM. New M-PESA balance is Ksh10,500."

Step 2: Access Your Funds You can immediately:

• Withdraw cash at any M-PESA agent nationwide
• Use the funds for Lipa Na M-PESA payments
• Buy airtime
• Send money to other M-PESA users
• Keep the money in your wallet

If You're Not Yet Registered for M-PESA:

Step 1: Receive Notification You'll get an SMS confirming that funds have been sent to you.

Example SMS: "G68EG702 Confirmed. Ksh5,000 was sent to you via [Partner Name] and M-PESA. You must register at an M-PESA Agent within 21 days to access these funds. Receipt G68EG702 on 24/4/09 at 3:58PM."

Step 2: Register for M-PESA Visit any M-PESA agent within 21 days with:

• Your Safaricom SIM card
• Valid identification documents (National ID, Passport, or Alien ID)

Step 3: Access Your Funds Once registered, the funds will be available in your M-PESA wallet.

Important Information

Transaction Limits

• Maximum per transaction: Approximately Ksh 70,000
• Daily, monthly, and yearly limits depend on the sending country and partner
• The specific partner will advise on any applicable restrictions

Transfer Speed

• Transfers are typically instant
• Recipients usually receive SMS confirmation within seconds
• If you're not registered, you'll still receive the notification immediately but must register to access funds

Costs and Fees

• For Recipients: There is NO charge for receiving money via M-PESA IMT
• For Senders: Charges vary depending on the amount sent, the sending country, and the transfer partner used
• Normal M-PESA charges apply for subsequent transactions (withdrawals, sending money, etc.)

Currency Conversion

• Currency conversion happens at the time of sending
• The sender is informed of the prevailing exchange rate before completing the transaction
• Recipients receive funds in Kenyan Shillings

Network Coverage

• Money is received into your M-PESA account even if you're out of network coverage
• You can check your balance once you're back in coverage
• Your Safaricom line must be active to use M-PESA services

Security and Compliance

• All partners are registered with their respective regulatory authorities for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance
• Safaricom is authorized by the Central Bank of Kenya to transact foreign-exchange business
• Senders typically need to provide proof of identification
• All transactions are monitored to detect suspicious activity

Unregistered Users

• If using Western Union and the recipient isn't registered within 21 days, they can contact the sender for transaction details
• They can then collect the money through a Western Union agent using the standard process

Tips for Successful Transfers

1. Verify Phone Numbers: Double-check the recipient's M-PESA registered phone number before sending
2. Keep Records: Save your transaction receipt and reference number
3. Confirm Receipt: Ask your recipient to confirm when they receive the SMS notification
4. Compare Rates: Different partners may offer different exchange rates and fees
5. Use Official Partners: Only use Safaricom's authorized IMT partners to ensure security

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone without an M-PESA account send money to Kenya? Yes, the sender does not need to be registered for M-PESA. They only need to visit an authorized partner's location or website.

Must the recipient have a Safaricom line? Yes, recipients must be Safaricom subscribers to receive funds through M-PESA IMT.

How long is the registration window for unregistered recipients? Unregistered recipients have 21 days to register and access their funds.

Are there restrictions on how received funds can be used? No, once funds are in your M-PESA wallet, you can use them for any M-PESA service including withdrawals, payments, and transfers.